Presenter describes Fort Hood test of 13‑ton autonomous vehicles during combined‑arms breach

A presenter described an October field test at Fort Hood, Texas, where heavy autonomous platforms were integrated with the 36 engineer brigade to evaluate autonomy in operational tasks. The presenter said the team used 13‑ton robotic vehicles to pull around a vehicle identified in the transcript as a "Miklik" so the systems could perform a combined‑arms breach.

The presenter told attendees the exercise was an opportunity to insert their autonomy technology into tasks the Army already plans to do, calling the demonstration "the tip of the iceberg" for what autonomy can enable. "It takes the soldier out of harm's way," the presenter said, adding that seeing the systems in the field prompts military personnel to consider new, potentially safer ways to carry out operations.

The speaker framed the Fort Hood activity as a demonstration and evaluation rather than a formal policy decision. No formal actions, votes, or legal authorities were mentioned in the transcript. Details that were provided in the briefing include the month (October), the partner unit (the 36 engineer brigade, as stated in the transcript), the location (Fort Hood, Texas), and the vehicle size (described as 13 tons). The transcript refers to a platform or vehicle named "Miklik"; that spelling could not be verified from the text and is reported as it appears in the record.

The briefing emphasized potential benefits for soldier safety and for changing operational approaches, but did not include further technical specifications, funding sources, or formal next steps. The presentation did not identify the presenter's name, organizational affiliation, or whether the demonstration will lead to specific procurement or doctrinal changes.