Materials handling company Airtrax Inc has won a development contract from the US Office of Naval Research under the navy's future naval capabilities program.

The contract, with base and option periods, is worth about USD3.3 million, of which Airtrax expects to receive USD755,000.

Airtrax will partner with General Dynamics Armament Systems to develop a concept for an omni-directional, materials-handling robot that can move cargo from around ships with minimal human oversight. Airtrax's omni-directional vehicle technology is the platform for the system.

Airtrax defence services division vice-president and director Barney Harris said "this brings Airtrax another step closer to supplying the navy with omni-directional shipboard materials-handling products".

Airtrax is already developing materials-handling machines that incorporate omni-directional technology. The company is in final development of its ATX series omni-directional forklifts.