AZAK, a Denver-based defense technology firm, has demonstrated a 500-pound unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) capable of towing a 53,000-pound Palletized Load System (PLS) Army truck. According to company footage and specifications, the robot moved the heavy hauler while it carried an additional 1,000 pounds of ammunition, representing a towing capacity more than 100 times the robot’s own weight.
How does a 500-pound robot tow a 53,000-pound truck?
The UGV achieves this level of torque through a decentralized propulsion design. Unlike traditional vehicles that use a central engine and axles, AZAK integrates the motor, battery, gearbox, and control electronics directly into each wheel. This module, known as the S26, measures roughly 26 inches in diameter and weighs about 86 pounds.
Each S26 wheel produces approximately 147 pound-feet of torque. Because the system is modular, AZAK can scale power by adding more wheel units to a frame. While a four-wheel configuration is rated for a 1,500-pound payload, the company’s demonstration shows the platform can overcome the deadweight resistance of a multi-ton vehicle in non-laboratory settings.
What is the Army’s Palletized Load System (PLS)?
The Palletized Load System is the U.S. Army’s primary heavy hauler for ammunition and supplies. Built by Oshkosh Defense, the PLS is a five-axle truck designed to load and unload standardized cargo pallets using a hydraulic arm, removing the need for forklifts or large crews. The PLS A1 model has a curb weight of 53,000 pounds, a figure that aligns with the weight of the truck featured in the AZAK demonstration.
How does this fit into “Last Tactical Mile” logistics?
The U.S. Army is currently prioritizing the “last tactical mile”—the final stretch of ground between supply points and frontline troops. This area is often targeted by enemy drones and artillery, making manned truck runs high-risk operations. By using small, high-torque UGVs, the Army can move supplies or recover disabled vehicles.
AZAK’s platform is part of a broader Army effort to integrate autonomous haulers. Other examples include the Hunter Wolf, a six-wheeled robot used by the 101st Airborne Division for cargo movement. The Army also maintains open requests for ground robots capable of both cargo transport and casualty evacuation.
What is AZAK’s track record with the U.S. Army?
AZAK has been steadily working its way into the Army’s unmanned ground vehicle pipeline. The firm participated in a full training rotation at the National Training Center with the Army’s 1st Cavalry Division in 2025. Additionally, the company won the Army’s xTech Edge Strike Ground competition and joined G-TEAD, a marketplace connecting military buyers with emerging technology suppliers.
In March 2026, the company showcased a second-generation version of its platform at the AUSA Global Force Symposium in Huntsville, Alabama.
Comparison of UGV Capabilities
| Feature | AZAK UGV (Demo Unit) | Standard PLS Truck |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 500 lbs | 53,000 lbs (empty) |
| Propulsion | In-wheel S26 modules | Not specified |
| Primary Role | Tactical towing/logistics | Heavy ammunition/supply transport |
| Key Advantage | High torque-to-weight ratio | High volume cargo capacity |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the AZAK robot be carried by a soldier?
The sources describe it as a robot you could carry up a flight of stairs and light enough to carry.
Is this technology currently deployed in combat?
The provided data indicates the system has undergone training rotations and competitions, but it is currently in the evaluation phase with the U.S. Army.
Worth a look