Hyundai Rotem (064350.KS) is moving to build an artificial intelligence (AI)-based manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) command and control system.
Hyundai Rotem and Anduril signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for weapons system enhancement at the Four Seasons Hotel in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on Monday. Anduril is a U.S. defense technology company that develops AI-based combat operation software.
The signing ceremony was attended by Lee Yong-bae, president and CEO of Hyundai Rotem, and Brian Schimpf, co-founder and CEO of Anduril.
The MOU was arranged for the two companies to collaborate on developing an integrated MUM-T command and control system.
Future battlefields are being reshaped around MUM-T operations, in which human commanders and AI form teams to carry out missions. As combat vehicles, unmanned robots and drones are increasingly operated simultaneously on the battlefield, the importance of command and control systems that connect humans and AI is growing.
Hyundai Rotem plans to advance its command and control capabilities by applying Anduril's AI operating system (OS) "Lattice" to unmanned platforms such as its multi-purpose unmanned vehicle (HR-Sherpa) and multi-legged walking robot.
Lattice, Anduril's core technology, is an operating system that enables AI to track targets in real time through sensors attached to weapons systems and independently assess battlefield situations. Anduril has carried out global defense projects with proven technology, including a contract to integrate Lattice into the U.S. Army's operational weapons systems.
The company plans to incorporate Lattice into Hyundai Rotem's major ground weapons system platforms as well. Lattice will serve as the AI brain, supporting swarm control and autonomous mission execution among manned combat vehicles, unmanned robots and drones. Swarm control is a technology that allows various weapons systems on the battlefield to move as a single group.
Hyundai Rotem also plans to build a mobile counter-drone control system using Anduril's drone operating platform. Under the system, when Anduril's drones detect enemy drones in the air, mobile weapons systems such as wheeled armored vehicles analyze the operational situation and support the commander's mission decisions. Anduril operates drone platforms including the reconnaissance drone Ghost, the interceptor drone Roadrunner and the direct-impact drone Anvil.
Hyundai Rotem expects the MOU to strengthen the technological competitiveness and tactical operation capabilities of MUM-T weapons systems. The two companies plan to expand areas of technological cooperation going forward, including real-time threat identification and air defense solutions.
"The partnership with Anduril will go beyond simple technological cooperation and serve as an opportunity to secure AI command and control capabilities, which are at the heart of future battlefields," a Hyundai Rotem official said.
