Robotic stretcher-bearer for the battlefield

Wounded soldiers could in future be evacuated from the battlefield by a robot stretcher.

A new remote-controlled vehicle that can carry casualties will be unveiled in London next week.

The Ironclad unmanned ground vehicle has been built by defence firm BAE Systems. Electrically powered, it is driven by wireless remote control, but will in future be fitted with artificial intelligence, allowing it to navigate battlefields on its own.

Commanders can fit the armoured chassis with a stretcher for casualty evacuation. Alternatively, it could be fitted with bomb disposal equipment, reconnaissance cameras, or even a machine gun, though BAE stressed it would always remain under human direction.

All-rounder: Ironclad has been designed to carry battlefield casualties, bomb disposal equipment and even weapons