Tank can be autonomous or remote controlled, runs on electric and diesel

The central platform can hold supplies, weaponry, and

A shape-shifting robot could work alongside human troops to bring military capabilities to the next level.

The unmanned ground vehicle developed by Estonian defense company Milrem has an adaptable build, so components can be swapped out to suit the needs of different missions.

Called THeMIS, the robot can operate autonomously or controlled by remote, and can carry more than 1,500 lbs.

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A shape-shifting robot could work alongside human troops to bring military capabilities to the next level. The unmanned ground vehicle developed by Estonian defence company Milrem has an adaptable build, so components can be swapped out to suit the needs of different missions

THE SHAPE-SHIFTING TANK THeMIS can reach roughly 31 mph and runs for eight hours on a fully charged battery and full tank of gas. It can be controlled by remote, or operates autonomously. The vehicle weights roughly 1,500 lbs, and can carry the same amount of weight. An adaptable central platform allows for interchangeable modules, including weaponry and communications. Its creators say this could complement or even replace human troops in dangerous mission settings. Advertisement

Milrem unveiled its robotic Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System (THeMIS) at the Singapore Airshow 2016 this week.

The small vehicle is roughly eight by six feet, and stands about two feet tall, but weighs about 1,500 lbs.

Independent pods with tank tracks can be driven by electricity or diesel, and attach to a central platform to form the vehicle.

This platform can be adapted to hold communications, supplies, weapons, and other 'superstructures.'

At the Airshow, a robot called the THeMIS ADDER paired with Singapore Technologies Kinetics to demonstrate a remote weapon station, carrying a machine gun.

With a full tank and fully charged battery, the unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) can run for eight hours, and reaches a top speed of 31 mph.

In a video demonstrating its capabilities, THeMIS tears through the snow, scales an incline, and climbs over bumps on an obstacle course.

Independent pods with tank tracks can be driven by electricity or diesel, and attach to a central platform to form the vehicle. This platform can be adapted to hold communications, supplies, weapons, and other 'superstructures'

And, it does much of this while wielding a multi-calibre weapon.

Its creators say a robot of this kind could be useful in settings that would be dangerous or impossible for human personnel.

'Unmanned systems will play a significant role in the development of military capabilities in future,' says Kuldar Vaarsi, CEO of Milrem.

'Within the next ten years, we will see smart ground systems complementing the human troops during joint missions.

'We are excited to be in cooperation with ST Kinetics for THeMIS ADDER, and we're sure that this universal UGV concept will effectively supplement defense capabilities on a battalion level.'

Milrem says the UGV can be used in rescue, transport, and reconnaissance missions, and its ability to adapt to suit different 'superstructure,' modules makes it extremely versatile.

This increases efficiency, and reduces cost over its life cycle.

The small vehicle is roughly eight by six feet, and stands about two feet tall, but weighs about 1,500 lbs, and can carry the same weight. With a full tank and fully charged battery, the unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) can run for eight hours, and reaches a top speed of 31 mph

In a video demonstrating its capabilities, THeMIS tears through the snow, scales an incline, and climbs over bumps on an obstacle course. Milrem says the UGV can be used in rescue, transport, and reconnaissance missions, and its ability to adapt to suit different 'superstructure,' modules makes it extremely versatile

The Tranformer-style drone could be the future of battle, its research claim. Pictured is a model of Optimus Prime from Hollywood movie, 'Transformers: Age of Extinction'



