ARGO Unveils Amphibious Robot for Defense and Disaster Recovery

By Mike Ball / 17 May 2017

Smart Sourcing for Unmanned Systems

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Follow UST

ARGO J8 Atlas XTR

ARGO’s Space, Robotics and Defense Division, a manufacturer of unmanned robots and lunar space rovers designed to tackle harsh environments, has announced the release of the ARGO J8 Atlas XTR (Xtreme Terrain Robot) for defense, disaster relief missions and rescue operations.

With UGVs (Unmanned Ground Vehicles) playing an increasingly important role in hazardous and extreme environments, ARGO developed the electric 8-wheeled amphibious, all-terrain mobile robot to protect the lives of soldiers and keep humans out of harm’s way.

Featuring a customizable platform that can be adaptable to any mission-specific payload device or system, the ARGO J8 Atlas XTR can be used to navigate and monitor unsafe area without risking soldiers’ safety and has been trialled by both the Canadian and U.S. Armed Forces.

ARGO has previously received a $1 million contract for three ARGO Atlas J8 XTR which are currently being tested by Defence Research and Development Canada, an agency of National Defence, at the Suffield Research in Alberta. The U.S. Army’s Rapid Equipping Force (REF) has also purchased several vehicles in recent months, testing them at the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center (MUTC) in Butlerville, Indiana with a view to ultimately deploying the robot in defense operations.

Jason Scheib, ARGO Robotics & Defense Sales Manager commented: “With the ARGO Atlas J8 XTR, militaries and defense contractors have a mission ready, cost-effective solution that can reduce exposure to threats for troops and minimize the manpower required for disaster response and rescue operations. UGVs such as the Atlas J8 have a huge potential within the next generation of defense operations and we look forward to working with customers to develop and deploy solutions that meet their needs.”

The new ARGO Atlas J8 XTR can traverse difficult terrain in extreme weather conditions with payloads of up to 600 kg (1,320 lbs.) on land and 300 kg (660 lbs.) on water. Capable of operating in temperatures from -20C to +40C and featuring a near silent noise signature thanks to its fully electric drive system, the ARGO Atlas J8 XTR has a built in two speed transmission that results in a top speed in excess of 30km/h and a typical working speed of 0 – 10 km/h.

The J8 also features intuitive controls allowing operators to maneuver it via remote teleoperation or line-of-sight radio frequency (RF) with a rugged hand held controller. Fully autonomous, the J8 is capable of self-navigating pre-defined missions in both GPS enabled and GPS denied environments with obstacle detection and avoidance. The vehicle’s ‘Follow Me’ mode allows it to be wirelessly tethered to a leader and respond to their movements and direction with the mission route saved for autonomous execution.

Find suppliers of UGVs >

Posted by Mike Ball Mike Ball is our resident technical editor here at Unmanned Systems Technology. Combining his passion for teaching, advanced engineering and all things unmanned, Mike keeps a watchful eye over everything related to the unmanned technical sector. With over 10 years’ experience in the unmanned field and a degree in engineering, Mike’s been heading up our technical team here for the last 8 years. Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Mid-Range Radar Altimeter Released for Advanced UAV Applications

Ainstein has launched the new US-D1 Pro radar altimeter at XPO25, offering precise altitude control up to 120m and featuring extended range, increased certification compliance, and enhanced environmental resilience

May 20, 2025
Field-Tested: How Far Can the Dronetag RIDER Really Detect?

Dronetag’s latest video sees the RIDER Remote ID receiver put to the test, revealing its real-world detection range and previewing the new generation of Drone Scanner

May 20, 2025
Final Call to Apply for GENIUS NY Program

The application window for GENIUS NY, the premier uncrewed systems accelerator, closes May 28th. Learn about this incredible opportunity and explore how GENIUS NY champions innovation as the official XPO+ Launcher sponsor, at XPO Booth 3613

May 20, 2025
WISPR Systems Partners to Advance American-Made UAV Technology

WISPR Systems and NW Blue are joining forces to showcase advanced drone platforms designed for real-world applications, built on American-made innovation and reliability

May 20, 2025
Iridium Introduces 9603 ESBD Module for Secure Government Messaging

Iridium Communications Inc. is launching a U.S. government-specific version of its 9603 module, featuring Enhanced Short Burst Data (ESBD) for secure, low-latency mobile messaging across global defense networks

May 20, 2025
Elistair Awarded Contract to Supply Tethered Drones for Greek Fire Service

Elistair has secured a contract to supply tethered drone systems for integration into Greece’s Mobile Operations Centers, enhancing disaster response capabilities

May 20, 2025

Featured Content

Final Call to Apply for GENIUS NY Program

The application window for GENIUS NY, the premier uncrewed systems accelerator, closes May 28th. Learn about this incredible opportunity and explore how GENIUS NY champions innovation as the official XPO+ Launcher sponsor, at XPO Booth 3613

May 20, 2025
WarrenUAS Secures FAA 44807 Exemption, Expanding Large UAS Training Capabilities

WarrenUAS has received FAA 44807 approval to train students on unmanned aerial systems weighing over 55 pounds in the NAS, placing it among only five U.S. organizations with this clearance, and expanding its national training leadership

May 15, 2025
Product Spotlight: Durable Lightweight Lithium-Ion Batteries for UAVs

American Lithium Energy (ALE)'s energy-dense lithium-ion battery cells combine high power output with built-in safety features, ideal for UAV and eVTOL applications in challenging environments

May 14, 2025
Advancing Unmanned Systems Through Strategic Collaboration UST works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive unmanned systems capabilities forward.