ATLAS combat robot clears advanced autonomy battlefield trials

BAE Systems has successfully completed advanced autonomy trials for its Autonomous Tactical Light Armour System (ATLAS), an uncrewed ground vehicle designed to support tanks and reconnaissance units without increasing soldier presence on the battlefield. Since its launch at the Land Forces exhibition in September 2024, ATLAS has undergone extensive testing across multiple autonomy levels, including remote teleoperation, waypoint navigation, and advanced “sense and avoid” capabilities in complex terrain. The vehicle demonstrated the ability to handle dynamic obstacles with minimal human input, aiming to reduce operator workload and enhance mission flexibility. Designed as a modular platform, ATLAS can operate alongside main battle tanks and reconnaissance vehicles, aligning with U.S. military interest in robotic combat vehicles that extend manned formations. ATLAS serves as a Collaborative Combat Variant (CCV) equipped with the VANTAGE medium-caliber turret, specifically developed for uncrewed platforms. This turret integrates a passive multi-spectral Automatic Target Detection, Tracking, and Classification System, enabling high levels of automation that