The Army towards the future: the first test of Autonomous Robotic Systems concluded. Folgore also present with the 185th Paratroopers Artillery Regiment

The first trial of the new spiral of the conceptual experimentation campaign dedicated to Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) was concluded today, after three intense weeks of activity, conducted by the Army Evaluation and Innovation Command (COMVIE) at the Monte Romano Range.
A multi-year project that represents one of the most innovative strands of the Army's capability development.

Emerging technologies and new operational scenarios

The RAS campaign arises from the need to analyze the impact of emerging and disruptive technologies (EDT) on future ways of conducting military operations. Launched in 2022, the experimentation proceeds through annual cycles – the so-called spirals – each addressing a specific theme, with the aim of progressively integrating new capabilities into the Italian Army.

The 2024 spiral is dedicated to the concept of distributed logistics, one of the most sensitive areas in modern high-intensity scenarios. The trial just concluded constitutes the first of the two operational moments planned for this year.

Operational vignettes and Mixed Reality: field experimentation

During the trial, robotic systems were employed in various "operational vignettes", designed to simulate a realistic and dynamic combat environment.
With the support of Modelling & Simulation from the COMVIE Innovation Projects Department, the context was enriched with elements of mixed reality, allowing for an in-depth evaluation of the operational advantages of RAS.

The main objectives of the experimentation were:

• to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of robotic assets;
• to reduce operational risk for personnel;
• to integrate systems into a tactical framework consistent with modern and complex scenarios.

A team of observers from COMVIE, the Logistics Command, and the Army General Staff monitored all phases of the activity, collecting data that will be included in the final report.

Units involved and systems tested

The campaign required an intense preparatory phase that involved the defense industrial sector, the initialization of systems, and a specific training period.
Operating in the field were:

• the 3rd Alpini Regiment
• the 185th Paratroopers Artillery Regiment "Folgore"

Among the technologies tested were:

• autonomous terrestrial and aerial robotic systems,
• automated logistics systems,
• the Battle Management System ARGO, already used in previous experiments.

The introduction of RAS aims to reduce personnel exposure in high-intensity contexts, maintaining – and sometimes increasing – overall operational capability.

General Olla's comment

At the end of the activities, Corps General Francesco Olla, Commander for Army Evaluation and Innovation, highlighted the centrality of these initiatives in the development of the Armed Force:

“Technological modernization and the capability implementation of the Army pass through experimentation campaigns, where the industrial sector and the Armed Force confront each other to identify the most suitable solutions to operate in highly complex scenarios. The military instrument must be flexible, responsive to rapid changes, and capable of preserving its personnel through state-of-the-art technologies.”

Towards the second trial of the spiral

With the conclusion of this first cycle, the Army consolidates a strategic path aimed at integrating robotics and autonomous systems into future operational scenarios.
The second trial of the spiral will continue the work started, bringing Italy ever closer to a model of technologically advanced, resilient land force ready for new generation conflicts.