The U.S. Army has tapped CR Tactical, a branch of Pittsburgh-based Carnegie Robotics, to build and develop prototypes aimed at increasing the rate of self-propelled howitzers, a type of short gun used to fire trajectories high into the air but at a low velocity. It comes as part of the Army’s SPARTN Fire Faster project, which supports its strategic Long-Range Precision Fire’s (LRPF) modernization effort, an endeavor Carnegie Robotics said the Army identifies as being its highest modernization priority.
CR Tactical, which claims to be a leading provider of advanced sensors, software and robotics platforms for the Department of Defense, specializes in converting emerging robotics technology into commercial products. It designs and manufactures these robots at Carnegie Robotic's headquarters in Lawrenceville.
“CR Tactical has established itself as a strong, successful player in the Army’s LongRange Precision Fire modernization effort,” Michael Ramsay, chief engineer of CR Tactical, said in a release. “This project, like all others, emphasizes the Army’s priority to have the most technologically advanced systems in the world. Safety is at the core of this program, and CR Tactical is proud to be part of this pursuit.”
A spokesperson for Carnegie Robotics declined to provide the financial terms of the project.
CR Tactical is just one of three companies selected in the Army's Field Artillery Autonomous Resupply program.
Carnegie Robotics employs more than 150 workers, almost all of whom work in Pittsburgh.
