The first of the remote control Modular Advanced Armed Robotic System (MAARS) has been delivered to the US Military by QinetiQ , and it looks to be an adaptable platform for the future. MAARS is based on a modular framework that allows for new attachments as they become available. A few of the attachments include a manipulator arm, sensor packages, and a multi-camera system with multi-modal capabilities.
MAARS can serve on both non-lethal applications such as communications and lethal uses, such as 40mm high explosive grenades or M240B machine guns firing 7.62mm ammunition. Less lethal options are also available, like bean bags, smoke, star clusters, and pepper spray, with more added as needed or developed.
MAARS can be configured with wheels or tracks as needed, and it has a working range from the operator of up to 1 kilometer. MAARS is designed to work in widely varying terrain, even climb stairs when needed. The system will be tested in the coming months for full compliance and a future full release.
