Intro
The Centaur is a medium-size unmanned ground vehicle built to support frontline teams in hazardous environments. Developed under the Man Transportable Robot System Increment II (MTRS Inc II) program, it was chosen by the U.S. Army in 2017 as its official MTRS solution and has since seen orders across multiple U.S. services including the Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.
Weighing around 72.6 kg, Centaur combines a highly maneuverable tracked or hybrid locomotion platform with a dexterous manipulator arm that extends over 1.8 m, enabling operators to interact with potentially dangerous objects from a safe distance. Its chassis is ruggedized for stair climbing, lateral slopes, and uneven terrain, allowing it to navigate urban and field environments where threats often reside.
For situational awareness, Centaur integrates an advanced electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) camera suite that supports both daytime and night operations, giving operators a comprehensive view of the environment. This payload can be augmented or swapped for mission-specific tools, including CBRN sensors, specialized cameras, or other modular equipment, allowing the robot to transition between EOD, reconnaissance, and inspection roles.
Centaur’s open-architecture design simplifies integration with additional payloads and third-party systems, making it a flexible platform for evolving tactical needs. Its field-proven reliability is underscored by more than 1,000 robots delivered to U.S. forces worldwide, making it one of the most broadly adopted tactical UGVs since the early 21st century.