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TerraMax
TerraMax
from Wikipedia
An Oshkosh 4x4 MTVR fitted with TerraMax autonomous technology; this vehicle had previously participated in 2007 DARPA Grand Challenge.

TerraMax is the trademark for autonomous/unmanned ground vehicle technology developed by Oshkosh Defense.[1] Primary military uses for the technology are seen as reconnaissance missions and freight transport in high-risk areas without the need of human operators, protecting the soldiers from possible attacks, ambushes or the threat of mines and IEDs.[1] The technology could also be used in civilian settings, such as autonomous snow clearing at airports.[2]

The original TerraMax vehicle was based on Oshkosh’s 6x6 Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) and this was entered in the 2004 and 2005 DARPA Grand Challenges.[3] A 4x4 variant was subsequently developed for, and entered in, the 2007 DARPA Urban Challenge.[4] Since then, Oshkosh has continued developing the technology and in addition to four MTVRs has fitted the technology to its Palletized Load System (PLS),[5] Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV).[6] and MRAP All Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV).[2]

Development and history

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Oshkosh actively commenced development of the TerraMax in mid-2003. In the 2004 DARPA Grand Challenge (March 13–14, 2004) Team TerraMax was one of only seven teams to successfully navigate the qualifying course, going on to manage 1.2 miles on the race course before being ‘confronted’ by an impassable bush. The 2004 Team TerraMax consisted of Oshkosh Truck (now Oshkosh Defense), University of Parma's Artificial Vision and Intelligent Systems Laboratory (VisLab), Teledyne Scientific Company, Auburn University, IBEO and Caterpillar. At the time, Don Verhoff, Oshkosh's executive vice president of technology explained that: "although design development may continue for years, the idea of a driverless convoy of defense vehicles to deliver supplies to the front line, never jeopardizing the welfare of a single driver, is closer than one might imagine."

In October 2005 a second-generation TerraMax was one of five vehicles to complete the 2005 DARPA Grand Challenge 132-mile desert course. Unofficial run time was 12 hours and 51 minutes, this outside of the 10-hour limit to qualify for the $2 million prize money. The 2005 Team TerraMax consisted of Oshkosh Truck, Rockwell Collins, University of Parma's Artificial Vision and Intelligent Systems Laboratory (VisLab) and several financial sponsors.

Continuing development of TerraMax technologies, in January 2006 Oshkosh unveiled an unmanned version of its Palletized Load System (PLS) truck at the U.S. Army Tactical Wheeled Vehicle Component Technology Demonstrations in Yuma, Arizona. East.[7]

In 2007 Team TerraMax competed in the DARPA Urban Challenge with a 4x4 MTVR. In June 2010, Oshkosh Defense was awarded the U.S. Marine Corps Cargo UGV (CUGV) initiative contract. The contract was awarded by US Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory (MCWL) and the Joint Ground Robotics Enterprise Robotics Technology Consortium. The first evaluation for the cargo UGV was completed in May 2011 at Fort Pickett.[6]

In October 2010 at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting and Exposition at the Washington Convention Center, Oshkosh displayed an FMTV Load Handling System (LHS) variant fitted with TerraMax technology.

In May 2014 Oshkosh announced that to demonstrate capabilities for route-clearance missions it had integrated its TerraMax unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) technology onto an Oshkosh MRAP All-Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV). The vehicle was demonstrated in June 2014 at the Eurosatory defence exhibition in Paris where it was equipped with a mine roller and autonomously navigated a course that simulated military route clearance missions.[8]

The company was awarded a contract to evaluate the CUGV as a route clearing UGV, an effort that saw three vehicles working together. The trials took place at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia, in April 2015.[6] Also in 2015, the US Army worked on requirements documentation for the introduction of leader-follower technology for the Oshkosh 10×10 PLS logistics and support vehicles, which would be used initially as a driver safety mechanism for functions such as braking. In 2016, TerraMax-equipped vehicles took part in the Autonomous Ground Resupply Programme. Under the programme, the vehicles were expected to demonstrate the carrying of cargo from the point of embarkation to a forward-operating base (FOB) and then to a patrol base.

Other autonomous projects

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Oshkosh received USD49 million to integrate autonomous technology onto PLS vehicles as part of the ExLF programme.

Oshkosh is also involved in a number of other autonomous vehicle projects in conjunction with partners that include TARDEC, Lockheed Martin, Robotic Research, and DCS.

In 2016, Oshkosh PLS vehicles took part in the Autonomous Ground Resupply Programme. Under the programme, the vehicles were expected to demonstrate the carrying of cargo from the point of embarkation to a forward-operating base (FOB) and then to a patrol base.

On 27 June 2018, as part of the Expedient Leader Follower (ExLF) programme, Oshkosh received USD49 million to integrate its autonomous technology onto PLS vehicles. The TARDEC-led programme was awarded through an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) contract and is intended to facilitate the transition to an official Program of Record. The programme is expected to last until the end of its contract term in March 2021.

In early 2019, a fleet of ten vehicles was outfitted with autonomous technology and subjected to government qualification and safety evaluations. This initial phase was succeeded by the integration of autonomous technology into an additional sixty vehicles, which were then slated for participation in an Operational Technical Demonstration (OTD) in early 2020.

Oshkosh began integrating an initial 10 autonomy kits upon the award for the engineering test, verification, validation, and ATEC Safety Release, and will integrate another 60 kits for fiscal year 2019 for OTDs. The OTDs will occur in the second quarter of fiscal year 2020. The contract holds an option to procure up to 150 autonomy kits.[9]

Technology

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TerraMax Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) technology is modular and designed to be integrated into any tactical wheeled vehicle. The components of TerraMax are located so as not to impede the combat requirements of soldiers, while maintaining the utility of the vehicle. The technology is fully incorporated into the brakes, steering, engine and transmission. Fitted vehicles retain the ability to be driver-operated. Fitted vehicles can be operated fully autonomously in any position in a convoy, or semi-autonomously to follow the path of the lead vehicle.[10]

The TerraMax UGV package consists of Oshkosh’s Command Zone electronics, a sensor suite and an advanced operator control unit (OCU).[1]

Command Zone is an integrated control and diagnostics system that is computer-controlled, electronics technology that operates and diagnoses all major vehicle networks. The backbone of the Command Zone system is advanced multiplexing technology.[1]

The multimodal sensor suite consists of a high definition LIDAR[11] (light detection and ranging) system, a wide dynamic range camera, a short wave infrared camera, four situational awareness cameras, 12 short range radar systems (providing 360° close-view) and three long range radar systems. The military grade global navigation satellite system (GNSS) along with map registration software technology ensures the operation of the system without a satellite signal where a global positioning system (GPS) navigation system is blocked or denied.[1]

The vehicle mounted with TerraMax UGV technology is autonomously controlled by an operator control unit (OCU). It enables the operators to manipulate route information and look out or manage internal operations and status of autonomous systems over tactical data links. The tele-operated OCU shows the necessary information according to the priority and facilitates the fast input of commands to maintain the pace in convoy operations. The screen of OCU displays overhead imagery, automated routes and driving parameters. It gives feedback if it identifies an obstacle to continue, or changes track accordingly. The OCU allows a single operator to control one or more UGVs. The operator can control an UGV with infrequent monitoring of the unit.[1][12][unreliable source?]

From an earlier statement that it desired one third of its fleet to be autonomous by 2015, the U.S. Army now believes that the technology for autonomous vehicles may be ready for the field by 2025. At an AUVSI symposium in Arlington, Virginia in October 2015, Dr Paul Rogers, director of the army's Tank Automotive Research Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC), said "Autonomous convoy technology for the US army remains about 10 years away, depending on how the acquisition process moves, due to requirements, testing, and budgeting processes."[13]

Television

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The TerraMax was featured in Series 19 of BBC Television series Top Gear. It was featured against presenter James May in the Range Rover in an off-road challenge in the Nevada Automotive Test Center, Nevada, USA.[14]

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See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
TerraMax is an autonomous (UGV) developed by Oshkosh Defense in collaboration with and the , built on the (MTVR) 6×6 cargo truck platform for military applications such as logistics and supply convoys in challenging terrains. The vehicle, weighing approximately 30,000 pounds with dimensions of 27 feet long, 8 feet 4 inches wide, and 8 feet 7 inches high, is powered by a 425-horsepower C-12 engine and features the TAK-4 independent suspension system for enhanced off-road mobility, capable of carrying up to 15 tons on-road and 7.1 tons off-road. The development of TerraMax was driven by the U.S. Department of Defense's need for autonomous systems to reduce risks to personnel in combat zones, with the MTVR platform, of which over 6,000 units had been deployed to the U.S. Marine Corps by 2005 (including over 1,500 during the ). Oshkosh Defense led the project, handling vehicle integration, low-level controls, and modeling, while provided the Intelligent Vehicle Management System () for , navigation, and high-level control, and the contributed advanced stereo vision systems for obstacle detection and environmental perception. Sponsors including ArvinMeritor, , and supported the effort, aligning with 's Grand Challenge initiatives to accelerate autonomous vehicle technology. TerraMax gained prominence through its participation in the DARPA Grand Challenges, completing the 132-mile off-road desert course in the 2005 event as one of only five finishers out of 195 initial teams, taking approximately 12 hours and 51 minutes unofficially after pausing overnight for safety. As the largest and widest vehicle to finish, it successfully navigated narrow passages like Beer Bottle Pass with minimal clearance, demonstrating robust performance in rugged environments despite its size. In 2007, a 4×4 variant of TerraMax competed in the DARPA Urban Challenge, advancing through national qualification events that tested unmanned navigation in urban settings, including intersections, parking maneuvers, and traffic interactions. These achievements underscored TerraMax's potential for real-world military use, influencing subsequent UGV programs like the U.S. Marine Corps Cargo UGV in 2010. The TerraMax technology continues to influence modern UGV programs, including Oshkosh's Family of Multi-Mission Autonomous Vehicles demonstrated in 2025.

Development History

Origins in DARPA Challenges

The TerraMax (UGV) project originated as a collaborative effort between Oshkosh Truck Corporation and , motivated by the (DARPA)'s initiative to accelerate autonomous technologies for , aiming to enable unmanned convoys that reduce risks to soldiers in hazardous environments. Launched in response to DARPA's Grand Challenge competitions, TerraMax was designed as a rugged, large-scale autonomous platform based on military truck chassis, emphasizing off-road mobility and reliability for supply transport in combat zones. In the inaugural 2004 , held on March 13 in the , TerraMax—a 16-ton Oshkosh —participated among 15 entrants tasked with navigating a 142-mile desert course. The vehicle advanced only 1.2 miles before halting, trapped between bushes that its sensors failed to accurately perceive amid the dusty, uneven terrain, highlighting early limitations in environmental perception and obstacle avoidance. This setback, common to all 2004 participants as none completed the route, underscored challenges like sensor occlusion from dust and prompted the TerraMax team to implement rapid enhancements, including a dedicated cleaning system for sensors to mitigate debris accumulation ahead of subsequent events. Building on these lessons, TerraMax returned for the 2005 in October, traversing the revised 132-mile desert course from , and becoming one of only five vehicles to reach the finish line, demonstrating substantial progress in autonomous navigation. It completed the route in 12 hours and 51 minutes, securing fifth place overall despite exceeding the 10-hour prize eligibility threshold, with its performance serving as a benchmark against like Stanford's Stanley, which finished in under 7 hours. The achievement validated TerraMax's design for military-scale UGVs, proving viability for long-distance off-road in scenarios. TerraMax further evolved for the 2007 DARPA Urban Challenge, adapting a 4x4 (MTVR) variant to handle simulated urban environments with traffic, intersections, and parking maneuvers. This event tested integrated behaviors for safe operation among moving vehicles, aligning with 's progression toward practical military applications like resupply in contested urban areas, and reinforced TerraMax's role in advancing UGV capabilities beyond desert trials.

Evolution and Military Contracts

Following the successes in the , TerraMax transitioned from a competition prototype to a practical through targeted U.S. Department of Defense contracts focused on and operations. In June 2010, Oshkosh Defense was awarded a by the U.S. Marine Corps for the Cargo Unmanned Ground Vehicle (CUGV) initiative, integrating TerraMax autonomy kits into Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacements (MTVRs) to enable autonomous cargo delivery and reduce troop exposure to threats during resupply missions. By 2014, the technology advanced to support route clearance applications, with Oshkosh integrating TerraMax into the MRAP All-Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV) platform. This adaptation allowed the M-ATV to operate autonomously ahead of manned convoys, detecting and avoiding obstacles while towing mine rollers, as demonstrated at 2014. In 2015, TerraMax-equipped vehicles participated in live-force exercises showcasing operations, where a single operator supervised multiple autonomous units to enhance operational efficiency and . The program's momentum continued into 2016 with demonstrations emphasizing seamless integration into mixed manned-unmanned for and resupply, building on DARPA-funded developments with partners like for communication systems and the for perception algorithms. A significant escalation occurred in June 2018 when the U.S. Army awarded Oshkosh a $49 million contract under the Expedient Leader-Follower (ExLF) program to integrate 70 kits onto (PLS) vehicles for operational technical demonstrations. This three-year effort, which concluded in March 2021, validated leader-follower convoy capabilities in contested environments, paving the way for broader adoption of unmanned resupply tactics. By 2025, TerraMax's core technologies had evolved into Oshkosh's broader portfolio of scalable unmanned systems, influencing programs such as ROGUE-Fires for the U.S. Marine Corps and the Family of Multi-Mission Autonomous Vehicles (FMAV), introduced at AUSA 2025. These advancements, including optionally manned variants like the X-MAV for heavy payloads, contributed to the U.S. Army's objectives under initiatives like transforming-in-contact, which emphasize scalable robotics for division-level operations, though the original TerraMax branding has been phased out in favor of integrated platform-agnostic solutions.

Technical Components

Vehicle Platforms and Integration

The TerraMax system originated on the Oshkosh Defense (MTVR), a 6x6 platform selected for the 2004 and 2005 , featuring a payload capacity of 7.1 tons off-road and a C-12 delivering 425 horsepower. For the 2007 Urban Challenge, the platform shifted to a 4x4 MTVR variant to better navigate urban environments while retaining core off-road mobility. In 2014, TerraMax technology was integrated onto the MRAP (M-ATV), a mine-resistant platform designed for enhanced ballistic and underbody protection in combat zones, demonstrating the system's adaptability to armored vehicles. Key structural modifications to these platforms include the installation of drive-by-wire systems, which replace mechanical linkages with electronic controls for , acceleration, braking, and transmission, allowing seamless computer actuation while preserving the original vehicle's ruggedness. These vehicles also incorporate reinforced elements, such as integrated roll cages, to support additional equipment mounting without degrading off-road performance, maintaining capabilities like a top speed of 65 mph on roads and a operational range exceeding 300 miles on a 78-gallon . By the 2010s, TerraMax's modular design enabled scalability to other tactical platforms, including the (FMTV), facilitating hybrid operations where vehicles can switch between manned and unmanned modes for convoy tasks. This adaptability extends to emerging systems like the (JLTV), supporting Oshkosh Defense's broader portfolio of autonomous enhancements across military truck variants.

Sensors and Autonomy Systems

The TerraMax unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) employs a multimodal sensor suite designed for robust environmental perception in diverse terrains and conditions. The core perception system includes a high-definition LIDAR for 360° mapping with detection ranges extending up to 120 meters, enabling precise 3D environmental modeling even in off-road settings. Original development incorporated stereo vision systems from the University of Parma for obstacle detection and environmental perception. Complementing the LIDAR are multiple camera systems, such as wide dynamic range visible-light cameras and short-wave infrared (SWIR) cameras for enhanced visibility in low-light or obscured environments like dust and fog. Additionally, four situational awareness cameras provide omnidirectional video feeds for operator monitoring. The radar subsystem features 12 short-range millimeter-wave radars for 360° obstacle detection in adverse weather, paired with three long-range radars for forward threat identification at distances beyond 200 meters. Positioning is handled by a military-grade GNSS integrated with inertial navigation system (INS), achieving sub-10 cm accuracy via real-time kinematic (RTK) corrections, with fallback map-registration software for GPS-denied scenarios. Control systems in TerraMax are built around Oshkosh's Command Zone electronics architecture, which facilitates modular levels including fully autonomous operation, semi-autonomous follower mode, and teleoperated control via an operator control unit (OCU). This setup allows a single operator to supervise up to five vehicles in convoy formations. The software stack integrates algorithms that combine data from , cameras, , and GNSS/INS for real-time decision-making, employing techniques like modeling for obstacle detection and rapidly exploring random tree (RRT)-based path planning for dynamic route optimization. Convoy synchronization relies on AI-driven behaviors for lead-follow coordination, ensuring seamless integration with manned vehicles while maintaining formation integrity. Rockwell Collins contributed the Intelligent Vehicle Management System (iVMS) for , , and high-level control in early implementations. Performance metrics underscore the system's suitability for unstructured environments, with real-time processing at a 10 Hz update rate across sensor inputs to support responsive . TerraMax vehicles demonstrate capability on steep slopes up to 60% grade and side slopes of 30%, while achieving off-road speeds of 20-30 mph without compromising stability or payload capacity. These attributes were validated in challenges and subsequent military evaluations, highlighting reliable operation in day/night and all-weather conditions.

Applications and Impact

Military Deployments

TerraMax technology has been deployed in various U.S. military programs to enable autonomous and , prioritizing the reduction of personnel risk in hazardous environments. In 2010, the U.S. Marine Corps launched the Cargo (UGV) initiative, integrating TerraMax into Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacements (MTVRs) for autonomous resupply missions in simulated scenarios. These trials focused on unmanned vehicles delivering supplies over challenging , thereby minimizing exposure to improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and ambushes during operations. In the early , including a 2014 continuation by the Office of Naval Research, the Cargo UGV project enhanced TerraMax with counter-IED technologies for and explosive hazard defeat, culminating in 2015 demonstrations. By 2015, TerraMax-equipped vehicles participated in route-clearing trials, utilizing unmanned lead units to detect and neutralize IEDs ahead of manned follow-on convoys. Conducted to validate multi-vehicle coordination, these operations allowed a single operator to oversee up to five autonomous UGVs, optimizing and mission tempo in high-threat areas. The technology's integration into armored platforms like the M-ATV demonstrated reliable autonomous navigation and obstacle avoidance, contributing to safer route reconnaissance. In 2016, TerraMax supported convoy operations under programs emphasizing autonomous ground resupply, where lead UGVs navigated rough to guide manned trucks, enabling continuous operations without constant human intervention. This capability extended to 24/7 mission profiles, reducing and for soldiers while maintaining supply lines in contested environments. Subsequent evaluations highlighted TerraMax's role in scaling unmanned assets for tactical advantages. Advanced autonomy has been integrated into the U.S. Marine Corps' ROGUE-Fires program, demonstrated in 2024 for unmanned expeditionary , allowing remote operation of precision strike vehicles. At the 2025 AUSA showcase, the Family of Multi-Mission Autonomous Vehicles (FMAV) enabled scalable UGVs for applications, including ground-based launchers for long-range fires. TerraMax technology has informed subsequent Oshkosh autonomy developments showcased in 2025.

Public Demonstrations and Media

In 2009, Oshkosh Defense showcased the TerraMax at the U.S. Army Robotics Rodeo, highlighting a new low-profile scanner that enabled enhanced sensing capabilities and full 360° environmental awareness for the autonomous system. This public demonstration, building on the vehicle's origins in the 2007 Urban Challenge, emphasized its adaptability beyond military contexts. The TerraMax gained broader visibility through media appearances, notably in a 2013 episode of BBC's Top Gear (Series 19, Episode 5), where an autonomous TerraMax—nicknamed the "Terminator"—competed against presenter James May in a new Range Rover during an off-road challenge at Nevada's Automotive Test Center. Despite navigating rough terrain and obstacles independently, the vehicle completed the course, demonstrating reliable off-road autonomy to a global audience and underscoring its potential for non-combat operations. Potential civilian applications of TerraMax technology have been discussed for municipal uses, such as snow plowing on Oshkosh chassis for runway clearance to improve in harsh conditions. These efforts illustrate the system's versatility for public infrastructure maintenance, reducing human exposure to dangerous environments. Such demonstrations and media exposure have significantly raised public awareness of unmanned ground vehicles, positioning TerraMax as a pioneer in accessible autonomy technology. At the 2025 AUSA Annual Meeting, Oshkosh showcased autonomous vehicle platforms supporting scalable applications in .

References

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