Autotanks

Autotanks are autonomous or semi-autonomous armored ground vehicles designed to operate with reduced or no crew aboard. The term covers a range of platforms, from remotely controlled tanks to fully autonomous units capable of independent tasks such as reconnaissance, fire support, and logistics in dangerous environments.

Technically, autotanks integrate an armored chassis, engine or powertrain, a sensor suite (cameras, lidar, radar, thermal imaging), and autonomy software for perception, localization, planning, and control. Armament may be present but is often limited or remotely operated. Power sources range from diesel to hybrid or electric drivetrains, and tracks are common for cross‑country mobility.

Autonomy levels vary from human‑in‑the‑loop to fully autonomous systems. In the former, a human operator can authorize or override actions; in the latter, the vehicle makes decisions with limited or no real‑time human input. Ethical, legal, and accountability issues are actively discussed in relation to autonomous weapons and compliance with the laws of armed conflict.

History and current status: Concept studies date to the late 20th century, with prototypes and field trials advancing through the 2000s and 2010s. As of the 2020s, fully autonomous tanks are not widely deployed in regular combat, though semi‑autonomous and remotely piloted tanks are used in training, reconnaissance, or support roles. Challenges include reliability, cybersecurity, cost, and international norms governing autonomous weapons.