PHOENIX, Ariz., (March 10, 2022) – The common Kutta Tactically Aware Controller (K-TAC) designed by Kutta Technologies, LLC (Kutta) has been selected for the Soldier Robotic Controller (SRoC) Program.  A hand-held device, K-TAC allows soldiers to control multiple types of robotic platforms – including both air- and ground-based unmanned systems – from a single controller.  The core objective of the SRoC program is to develop solutions for small Unmanned Aerial Systems (SUAS) and Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) that will reduce operator workload and provide seamless integration with currently fielded equipment.

Over the last decade the number and variety of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), UGVs and Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs), as well as unattended sensors, has increased significantly across the Department of Defense (DOD). Most of these platforms are typically controlled by a unique, proprietary device with one-off user interfaces. In addition to increasing procurement cost for the DOD, managing various devices and interfaces also presents resupply challenges and significantly increases training requirements.

The SRoC program is part of the DOD’s effort to solve these issues within the U.S. Government.

“Kutta’s modular, hand-held device leverages low-cost, commercial cell phones to keep the weight and cost down,” said Matthew Savoca, Kutta’s executive vice president. “Plus, the K-TAC has already been shown to control SUAS such as the U.S. Army’s Raven and commercial quad-rotor drones, as well as the U.S. Army’s four-wheeled robotic ground vehicle, the MRAZR.”

The K-TAC does not contain any proprietary physical or digital interfaces, weighs less than two pounds, easily integrates with military radios and fits in a soldier’s pocket.

“These characteristics make K-TAC the perfect candidate for a universal controller to host an ecosystem of software applications, just like everyone does on their cell phone today,” said Doug Limbaugh, Kutta’s chief operating officer.

DIU made the SRoC awards through the Defense Production Act, Title III Program. This program accelerates the adoption of capable and secure SUAS through the “Blue UAS” effort.

For more information, visit www.kuttatech.com.

About Kutta Technologies

Kutta is an engineering firm that designs, develops, and integrates safe, high-quality command, control, and autonomous technologies for unmanned systems. Kutta is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC).