Mac’s Trax Inc. in Coopersville has announced it has contracted Milrem Robotics, a Grand Rapids-area-based developer of smart unmanned robotic systems, to develop an unmanned propane tank hauler.
The remotely controlled and optionally manned hauler must be able to carry a 1,000-gallon propane tank.
Milrem plans to increase its staff by 50 percent to meet the demand in the product development sector in the United States and Europe. It manufactures unmanned ground vehicles and smart warfare systems for the military. It also started developing unmanned vehicles for the commercial sector last year. One of its vehicles, the Multiscope, is being developed for firefighting search and rescue purposes. It can also be applied to agriculture and mining.
“Milrem Robotics is well-known as the developer of the tracked hybrid modular infantry system, the THeMIS, an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) to help soldiers on the battlefield,” says Craig McCullough, CEO of Mac’s Trax. “Seeing the dedication and professionalism of Milrem Robotics’ engineers and, of course, the tracked UGV they have managed to develop in a short period of time, gave us confidence to work together on a larger scale.”
Milrem is expanding into the product development sales business through the contract. Product development sales will be offered under the trademark Milrem Engineeing.
“We will focus on more complicated projects where we can apply our expertise in mechanics, but also artificial intelligence,” says Kuldar Vaarsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics. “Milrem Engineering will cover everything, starting with concept development and requirements analysis, ending with testing and evaluating prototypes.”
