RACER Experiment 4 -- RACER Heavy Platform (RHP) Highlight Video

DARPA’s Robotic Autonomy in Complex Environments with Resiliency (RACER) program recently conducted its fourth experiment (E4) to assess the performance of off-road unmanned vehicles. These tests, conducted in Texas in late 2023, were the first time the program tested it's new vehicle, the RACER Heavy Platform (RHP). The video shows autonomous route following for mobility testing and demonstration, including sensor point cloud visualizations.
The 12-ton RHP is significantly larger than the 2-ton RACER Fleet Vehicles (RFVs) already in use in the program. Using the algorithms on a very different platform helps RACER toward its goal of platform agnostic autonomy of combat-scale vehicles in complex, mission-relevant off-road environments that are significantly more unpredictable than on-road conditions.
The RHP utilizes the Textron M5 base platform previously developed and used in U.S. Army campaigns of learning for robotic combat vehicle requirements and acquisition and is upfitted and supported for RACER autonomy integration hardware stacks and software by Carnegie Robotics.
This slate of tests, incorporating the RHP, are the start of Phase 2 of the RACER program; performer teams are the University of Washington and Overland AI; and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Offroad Autonomy, Georgia Institute of Technology, and Duality Robotics.

[@cyberpunkzombie9461]

Damn, DARPATV bringing that bass!

[@thomhoefer6844]

DdDdDdDddDJ DARPA

[@TheJttv]

We have come so far from the 2005 Darpa Grand Challenge running "autonomous cars" thru the desert

[@null7936]

2005 the year 0

[@briankrause2359]

Minus the huge 88 mm cannon coming out of the front it looks a lot like my fave ww2 armoured fighting vehicle the Jagd Panther. Vehicle profile is very similar.

[@mpfmax0]

Lol that’s exactly what I was thinking, looks like a german TD

[@edgeldine3499]

DARPA is definitely the coolest government agency lol

[@Everett-xe3eg]

Getting to see a glimpse of what it sees is awesome. Amazing engineering

[@Bigmbrennan]

They absolutely should be adding more head shaped objects and eyeball type things to these autonomous vehicles. 100% soldiers in the field will waste ammo shooting at those things thinking that they're critical to the device. It's honestly a honey pot for bullets, they should totally take advantage of that

[@miszkurka2000]

I can imagine the scary mouth and the sound of the ominous laughter of a big troll animated with LEDs. This could actually collect ineffective enemy fire.

[@ryankwok1021]

And when you hit the eyes it should reel back and go AAAAAAAAA and then collapse for 3 seconds while you whittle away at their health bar (to draw enemy fire)

[@Johann.863]

Bro no, what

[@barendbe]

Yes, make huge googly eyes on tanks, it will terrify the enemy as well as make them chuckle.

[@shadedwulf]

Yes because I AIM my Anti-Tank-Guided-Missile at the Eyeball

[@marshallmcluhan33]

That track is a club banger damn

[@DonaldDuck666]

damn that a fast boi

[@Varvarmisanthrope]

FPV dron faster))))

[@verbruggen564]

Of course it's easy to drive something fast when it has zero ammunition in it. This is why this is a joke.

[@miszkurka2000]

But such a fast autonomous armored TAXI can efficiently take the wounded or the entire team from the battlefield.

[@michaels.330]

It better be fast with zero weapons on it.

[@Iplayedagame]

@@verbruggen564 In video name are name: "platform", I think that means it will be used in future development as a base where something could be mounted on. They just start with movement, navigation etc. like basic stuff to get it move autonomously.

[@michaelking9021]

Good job guys!

[@allstreamedupvi]

Just what we need.

[@marcanthony854]

So informative 😊

[@chadlimestall9201]

why the music? what does the power plant sound like??

[@Rick_James]

Probably the point of the music

[@Everett-xe3eg]

It sounds like this : VROOOOOOOOOOOOOM BROOMBROOM VROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM. BWAAAA BABAA BAAAAAAAAA WAAAHHHHHHHH. Then it shifts into second. BLUBLUBLUBLIBBLUB

[@miszkurka2000]

Maybe it's electric to be quieter.

[@sgtellioman]

@@Everett-xe3eg That was amazing.

[@ricdale7813]

Cool concept. Reminds me almost of the Six Millon Dollar Man and the episode where the Venus Super Probe crash landed back to earth and went berserk.

[@gabiballetje]

The Howe & Howe boys must love this ? This looks like their platform.

[@jeffsnow7547]

How's it handle on human skulls?

[@mhb41]

With unmatched efficiency I’m sure

[@sector150]

Goliath boneyard obstacle course recommended!

[@Chokesandspokes]

Wow a giant sophisticated murder bot exactly what the world needs right now 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@user-kr2mq5dx5d]

Well if it's a robot doing the dirty work maybe we won't have to sanction the ICC for investigating war crimes! Just say it was a glitch!

[@SectorZeroOne]

Looks like a super uparmored Ripsaw! 🤩🤩🤩

[@gwastech2]

Woooow!! Sweet!! 😁👍👍👍👍

[@krnt13]

I can't believe my eyes, I designed something very similar when I was 12 yo and called it the RacerX, its had a battery of short range missiles in the back and was not autonomus, but the similarities are uncanny...

[@DJNZ-ew3yk]

Looks very effective. Disappointed that they didn't brand it "Bolo Mk 1"

[@Ef554rgcc]

That's a cute mud pit.

[@micklaws5520]

Awesome target

[@whitejtw]

Human beings are amazing and those involved in this project must've worked very hard on this.

[@JohnDoe-wg1uj]

reptilians you mean

[@ryankwok1021]

The war machines agree, human beings are amazing- target practice

[@whitejtw]

@@ryankwok1021 Satisfying squish. Much value for shareholders. Very good.

[@BIN9990]

The lidar mounted on the front appears to be an Ouster product.

[@billparker244]

Glad to see the Sturmtiger back in action

[@floozyspeak]

GO GO GO!

[@polartechie]

Wonder if the robot does things like "commit to a big jump" for a puddle like that, like humans do, or does it really process every inch of propulsion every second even during that maneuver.

[@Av-vd3wk]

One small kamakazi drone and that thing is toast.

[@Romanov117]

That’s autonomous and it has better protection from FPV drones.

[@pavlushamavlusha]

same as you

[@donovanteale6502]

@@pavlushamavlusha oof the future be liek dat

[@hg7728]

I would be more worried about anything above 12.5 completely dismantling all those fancy sensors, there is a reason crewed vehicles have glass as backup and even those are not always enough, case in point brad's fucking up a T90

[@dertythegrower]

They already proved that in Ukraine, as Russia has automated drone tanks now (proven by Ukraine drones above the others)

[@georgekrushev239]

And can he fix (repair) a broken drive chain itself?

[@miszkurka2000]

It will be repaired by people in favorable conditions, not under fire with 10 tons of explosives on their backs. Regardless of the vehicle, the crew is always the most valuable.

[@Jonathan-yu9ui]

Wby repair it when we can just deploy the other 10 in the wolfpack? This will be the pinnacle of infantry support. A hundred of these to supress and batter the enemy lines alongside tanks while infantry can advance and flank the enemy

[@racingraptor4758]

Repairs might be performed by other robots similar to boston dynamics ones. Just teach them how to repair various vehicles even the maned ones and you have perfect repair crew

[@larry-three8225]

DARPA seems cool. Also, the song they chose is Creepin by Ghost Beatz.😎👌

[@Satou-Akira71]

thx bro 👍

[@sapog138]

🙂👌

[@forkonce]

Has there been any scenario where the platform flips? I wonder what would it take to make one of these roll sideways or backwards at higher speeds.

[@motionsick]

Looking at the suspension and wheel arrangement it looks like a Ripsaw with a new boulbus front end.

[@ovalwingnut]

My nightmare is complete But who doesn't love DARPA?

[@sgtellioman]

Our enemies!

[@lordnikonoriginal]

Any plans for better protecting or shrouding the tracks in the future?

[@hiddenspeak]

scary!!!

[@MarionGinelsa]

Please promote the person who composed the music to 6-star General.

[@michaels.330]

That rank doesn't exist. Neither does 5 star anymore.

[@AchwaqKhalid]

​@@michaels.330 We shall make an exception just this time 🎶

[@nick22lowery]

Duly noted and dually promoted. He is now a 6-star general and captain of the funk-squad.

[@ZVOD]

😅

[@michaels.330]

@@AchwaqKhalid Lol alrighty. I revoke my initial statement and hereby fully instate said person to 6 Star General of Droppin' the Beatz. Who's duties are henceforth, overseeing the creation of art on a grand scale. And participating in the melding of music.

[@seancurran4451]

"Sabot On" couldn't miss 😅

[@roadkillkeck5328]

Hmmm, looks like an armored-up Ripsaw. What do you think Howe Brothers?!

[@DCTriv]

Well they're probably very happy that DARPA has incorporated their design into their RACER program, seeing as that means potential future business for them (at the very least licensing income).

[@adamcern2501]

Go DARPA!

[@bendershome4discountorphan859]

Shes a RIPPER DARPA!!!!

[@energiewender143]

Lidar makes a great homing beacon for incoming infrared-guided missiles.

[@stangarcia]

Top

[@kellydardeen6308]

The Drone SWARMS is Where its at !!!

[@tunisiam6]

😍😍😍

[@AchwaqKhalid]

*Da Beat* 🎶

[@IsraelMilitaryChannel]

Amazing.

[@-DM]

Can it detect and avoid mines?

[@thamastersmooth]

Doesn't need to..it's a terminator..It feels no pain

[@JustMe-wn5ii]

Can't wait to see this in an American ranch owner youtube short

[@WymanWoon]

Because it is an autonomous vehicle, it can help carry small warheads. Lots of small warhead missiles.

[@xspager]

oh look, a self driving car!

[@BigGlokk]

It really is hard to be impressed by this while also thinking of drone combat, crazy time we're living in

[@RussianMishka100]

Looks really cool and futuristic. What are its dimensions?

[@Val-zx7ro]

Wait why do you need glowing green eyes on the thing if it was meant to be camouflage ? Am I missing something

[@mkII.]

Imagine these as Ed 209 style robotic sentries for bases or whatever. Just roaming around 24 hours a day looking for a problem. Who would ever dare attack that facility. Knowing these things are just the tip of the iceberg. Unreal how close this is to Terminator hunter killers.

[@Rick_James]

Pretty cool. But how will the cameras do with explosions and dirt dust smoke and flying debris everywhere.

[@miszkurka2000]

I'm sure there are not only cameras there but also radar and other sensors. In the case of the camera, you just need to install a rotating glass, just like in the F1 cameras.

[@maolcogi]

Looks like someone doesn't know what IR is. Also human eyes can't see through any of those things, and tanks have still been pretty effective over the decades they've existed.

[@GooglyBear]

Damn making war fun!

[@BV-fr8bf]

Mini-Jadpanther, with a Sherman suspension?

[@christofervelazquez4025]

Hermoso

[@Watchandcutgearchannel]

Damn … awesome work.. i love ve watching stuff out of James Bond’s arsenal

[@Beargawn]

Seeing all those vents on the tank inspired my next statement. Sticky Bomb: one penetrating another surface sticking. Once inside/adhered, it would release expanding sticky foam that fills the inside completely or cover the external surfaces blocking all sensors and vents.

[@PaulHathaway]

Someone has watched Ghost in the Shell: SAC. 👍

[@Beargawn]

@@PaulHathaway Never seen it. I will have to check it out.

[@miszkurka2000]

Foam grenades are already used in fights in sewers or other tight spaces.

[@DwarfKilla]

Sherman 😍😍😍

[@Adam.NavyVet]

Going to need more ground clearance.

[@RickF-df1qg]

Could this be a Mk1 Bolo?

[@primages45]

Can’t wait to see who AI fires at

[@true.is.around]

i like it

[@sergeynemo912]

Tell me, what kind of music is this? I'll put it on my ringtone :-)

[@visicircle]

"The wars of the future will not be fought on the battlefield or at sea. They will be fought in space, or possibly on top of a very tall mountain. In either case, most of the actual fighting will be done by small robots. And as you go forth today remember always your duty is clear: To build and maintain those robots."

[@Ultramassiv]

Looks like a modern Jagdpanther

[@thumb-ugly7518]

The chassis is the "RipSaw" Fast Tracks from a decade or so back. I think "H&H" built them.

[@6StringPassion.]

And it's far more stylish than Elon's Cyberduck

[@greyaltaer8788]

New tiny home just dropped

[@SPKRFRKRMPLS]

what song is this?

[@user-ej3fy7ls8p]

Grumpy Frog❤️❤️❤️

[@DamarNoonan]

It uses the Ripsaw M5 chassis!

[@andrewroberts8882]

Looks almost like the ripsaw chassis

[@BillofTheCity]

I want one. For home defense of course.

[@theopinionisthighqualityopinio]

Well, that certainly looks like fun to drive! Riding in it would be a different story, but I'd take it for a drive in a heartbeat!! Thanks very much for the preview!! 💯💯

[@clarkbarrett6274]

It's a robot, there's nowhere to sit.

[@theopinionisthighqualityopinio]

@@clarkbarrett6274 Yeah, I know. Since I hold DARPA responsible for its big part in building the hell on earth we're living in, I thought that instead of insulting them, this time I'd make an inane comment instead. Their YT content creator understands and that's all that counts. Thanks for the info though!

[@KyuubiChupachaotica]

Looks like a modern version of a ww2 brumbar, or even the sturmtiger without the cannons.

[@pac1fic055]

That thing looks battery powered

[@everready59]

As it should be. It's a Mark 1 BOLO. The Mark 12's will be fusion. And self - aware.

[@user-rv2cl5vi5p]

Поект "ЖЕЛЕЗНЫЙ КАПУТ"!

[@SolidusMark]

Terminator model 40 ....I think we are going to see Skynet on the future...

[@juzzi79shanti40]

Its basically a panzer 1? Even down to the suspension.

[@goddess_of_Kratos]

Yay

[@EnthusiasticParakeet-et2lz]

What kind of propulsion ?

[@wraithkind]

Needs to be tested with live fire to determine the effects of damage on it.

[@fritsjanssen]

But why those bad cameras?

[@YourLocalZombie]

Almost as cute as the tachikoma, can't wait to see one level a city block because another AI suggested calculated a 0.2% chance there might be a terrorist present.

[@alexandremarcelino7360]

Veículo Muito legal! Eu gostaria de ter um 👊

[@riteshvr3913]

Place your hand on the screen when video Is playing ,you can get the best phonk music .

[@RaggTopp]

Lol wtf DARPA with the trap beat....

[@sdmcelroy]

At least humans will have a cool soundtrack to get slaughtered to

[@gergolengyel2963]

Fuck That is looks like a Cylone :DDD

[@K.M.I]

And there is an electronic device and what will the price of such a machine be interesting, of course the important question is the conditions of use?

[@guadalupe8589]

Just wait till it's eyes go from green to red

[@sector150]

Suspension looks like the old WW2 Italian Semovente L40.

[@IberianCraftsman]

They should combine this with the new Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0

[@IberianCraftsman]

And adding some metal detectors in front of the tracks so the machine instantly stops if it detects a mine

[@tyroxis]

Now it just needs legs and a big railgun on the side.

[@joeker1013]

It does kind of look like the cockpit of a Warhammer mech.

[@EpicLib]

I swear its left eye was red!!!

[@Arraydeess]

I hope soliders are able to paint faces on the front

[@Hornet_Legion]

It looks like a jadgpanther without the gun