iRobot used embedded Linux to build an autonomous UGV (unmanned ground vehicle) aimed at military scouting, guarding, and hauling applications.
The “R-Gator” is based on John Deeres diesel-powered, 658cc M-Gator military utility vehicle platform, with control, navigation, and object-avoidance systems based on BlueCat Linux from LynuxWorks.
iRobot describes R-Gator as “an intelligent UGV that can autonomously perform dangerous military missions, including acting as an unmanned scout, point man, perimeter guard, [and] pack/ammo/supply carrier for soldiers, marines, and airmen.”
The R-Gator can be shifted quickly between remote operation, autonomous, and manual modes, a feature that lets military personnel evaluate unmanned vehicle technology in “numerous operational scenarios,” the company says.