U.S. Army Tests AZAK S26 Unmanned Ground Robot Vehicle for Casualty Evacuation.

U.S. Army soldiers used an AZAK S26 Stoat ground robot to evacuate a simulated casualty during a combat training exercise at Grafenwoehr, Germany, demonstrating powered transport that could ease the burden on stretcher teams. The robotic casualty evacuation followed the delivery of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment’s first three vehicles from a planned introduction of 26, bringing new equipment into field training for moving casualties, weapons, and supplies.

U.S. Army soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, use an AZAK S26 unmanned ground vehicle to evacuate a simulated casualty during a platoon training exercise at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, on October 21, 2026. (Picture source: U.S. Department of War/Defense)

The U.S. Army ground robot also carried a 60 mm mortar system, a Bangalore torpedo, and other heavy equipment over approximately eight kilometers of rough terrain the previous night. The operator completed the movement in just over an hour using night vision, demonstrating a battlefield logistics role alongside casualty transport.

During the October 21, 2026, evacuation drill, soldiers from Eagle Troop’s 1st Platoon prepared a mock casualty in a trench and secured him to the Stoat’s load-carrying board. Sgt. Egan McDermott walked behind the four-wheeled vehicle with a handheld controller as it transported the soldier to the rear, according to Stars and Stripes’ reporting published October 22, 2026.

Both missions address a common challenge for dismounted troops: moving heavy loads without exhausting personnel needed for medical care, security and combat tasks. A powered carrier could reduce the effort of carrying a stretcher or mortar equipment, although soldiers must still load, secure, and supervise the movement.

The regiment received the first three AZAK vehicles through the Global Tactical Edge Acquisition Directorate, according to AZAK chief executive Ben Meager, who spoke to Stars and Stripes. The planned 26-vehicle introduction gives the unit scope to develop procedures for allocating robotic transport between casualty evacuation, weapons carriage and resupply.

The Stoat combines four powered S26 wheels with a compact frame topped by a board for securing a stretcher or equipment. Each wheel incorporates electric drive components, including the motor, motor controller, brakes and battery, concentrating propulsion in interchangeable modules rather than a conventional centralized drivetrain.

AZAK says the wheels can be replaced without tools and attached to different frames or equipment. This modular architecture could simplify replacement of damaged components and let common propulsion components support several transport configurations. Field use will determine the maintenance workload and spare-module requirements.

Meager stated that the vehicle can carry more than 500 pounds (approximately 227 kg) and travel 20 to 60 miles (roughly 32 to 97 km), depending on terrain and load. These manufacturer-stated figures describe payload and travel endurance, rather than performance independently established during the Grafenwoehr evacuation.

U.S. Soldiers kept casualty movement under direct human control. Soldiers prepared and loaded the patient, while an operator accompanied the robot. Although AZAK describes autonomous operation as an available capability, the exercise demonstrated remotely controlled transport rather than independent casualty recovery.

Further unit training will establish how communications reliability, battery endurance, obstacle negotiation, and patient stability affect mission completion. Recovery procedures will also matter if a vehicle becomes immobilized while carrying a casualty or essential supplies.

The delivery and field employment mark a practical step toward integrating robotic transport into platoon operations. By using the Stoat for both an eight-kilometer equipment movement and a simulated casualty evacuation, the U.S. Army 2nd Cavalry Regiment is assessing whether the same compact vehicle can support battlefield logistics while preserving soldiers’ endurance for other tasks.

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Written by Alain Servaes – Chief Editor, Army Recognition Group
Alain Servaes is a former infantry non-commissioned officer and the founder of Army Recognition. With over 20 years in defense journalism, he provides expert analysis on military equipment, NATO operations, and the global defense industry.