News.

Ketchum, Idaho, July, 24 2025 - Forterra, a leader in autonomous systems for defense, today announced a formal partnership with Higher Ground, the nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of veterans, first responders and individuals with disabilities through therapeutic recreation and education.

Forterra and Higher Ground are united by a shared mission: to serve those who have served. Both organizations are deeply committed to empowering veterans; Forterra through technology that protects and extends warfighter capability, and Higher Ground through therapeutic recreation that builds resilience and community. This partnership bridges those worlds, bringing veterans new opportunities to reconnect, recover, and re-engage with purpose.

“Forterra’s technology is built with a singular mission to reduce the impact of combat on humans,” said Josh Araujo, CEO of Forterra. “By partnering with Higher Ground, we’re extending that mission beyond the battlefield. We're honored to support their life-changing work and look forward to introducing veterans to the future of autonomous systems and national security innovation.”

“We are thrilled to have Forterra as a partner in our mission,” said Cole Petrie, CEO of Higher Ground. “Their support enables us to expand our impact through our programs enhancing the lives of veterans and first responders. Together, we’re building bridges from trauma to recovery, from service to purpose.”

A few of the sponsorship highlights include Forterra’s title sponsor of the fall 2025 Fly Fishing Week in Sun Valley, Idaho. A DC reception to advance discussions on veteran well-being and transitions into fields like autonomy and defense tech. Future efforts will include mentorship, tech exposure events, and co-branded service initiatives.

This partnership represents more than an event or initiative; it's a long-term commitment to the people who have served and sacrificed. Together, Forterra and Higher Ground are creating a platform where service members can heal, grow, and continue making an impact, whether in nature, in community, or in the technology shaping the future of national defense.

Forterra
Forterra delivers advanced autonomous systems designed to meet the mission-critical demands of today’s defense and national security landscape. Built and integrated at scale and speed, Forterra puts effective and reliable technology into the hands of operators when and where they are needed in any contested environment.

Higher Ground
Higher Ground has been transforming lives through therapeutic recreation and education for over 25 years. With programs based in Sun Valley, Idaho and across the country, Higher Ground uses outdoor recreation and therapy to support veterans, first responders and individuals with disabilities in building resilience, confidence, and belonging.

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Forterra is on the move.

We’ve opened new offices in Palo Alto, CA and Orlando, FL, growing our national presence to accelerate what comes next in autonomous mission systems.

Palo Alto: At the Core of Innovation

Our Palo Alto location puts us at the epicenter of AI, autonomy, and robotics. We’re embedding ourselves in the networks, talent, and technologies shaping the future of automated systems.

Orlando: Embedded with the Mission

In Orlando, we’re deepening ties with the defense and simulation communities across the Southeast. This hub brings us closer to key military programs, training pipelines, and operational partners, enhancing how we co-develop, test, and deliver.

Expanding Access, Accelerating Outcomes

These are not just office locations. They’re operational outposts, strategic extensions of how we build, scale, and support autonomous systems for logistics, mobility, and mission execution.

If you’re nearby, let’s connect.

If you want to build with us, now’s the time. Check out our career opportunities.

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Kalmar Introduces Ottawa AutoTT, The Future of Autonomous Terminal Tractors

‍Kalmar, a leader in terminal tractor solutions, in collaboration with autonomous technology leader Forterra, has unveiled the Kalmar Ottawa AutoTT™, an autonomous terminal tractor solution designed to improve efficiency and safety in distribution centers, container terminals, and industrial yards. The AutoTT™ is currently undergoing its second round of testing as Kalmar moves closer to bringing it to market.

‍Kalmar and Forterra signed a joint development agreement in March 2024 to advance autonomous terminal tractor solutions. This partnership leverages Kalmar's industry-leading terminal tractors and Forterra’s AutoDrive®, an autonomous driving system built to operate in extreme environments and complex driving scenarios that meet military standards.

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Kalmar is initially rolling out the AutoTT™ for use in distribution centers across North America, helping businesses streamline operations and enhance workplace safety. Following successful implementation, the technology will expand into container terminals and other industrial operations globally.

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Kalmar has equipped the AutoTT™ with an automation-ready drive system, allowing it to operate safely and efficiently without a driver. Forterra’s AutoDrive® system will enable Kalmar Ottawa AutoTT™ to perform complex autonomous maneuvers such as moving trailers in busy yards with precision. The AutoTT™ is also fully integrated with Kalmar One, a scalable automation platform proven in container terminal operations, managing fleets of up to 200 autonomous units.

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Kalmar and Forterra are taking a phased approach to introducing the AutoTT™:
-Ongoing testing: The second round of testing is currently underway, with safety drivers on board to monitor performance in real-world settings.
-Advancing drive-by-wire technology: Kalmar continues refining the tractor’s automated driving capabilities.
-Proof of concept in 2025: The next major milestone is validating the AutoTT™ within operational fleets.
-Pilot program: A broader pilot with select customers will follow, still requiring a safety driver.
-Full production by late 2026: Once testing is complete, Kalmar plans to launch production and make the AutoTT™ widely available.
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Kalmar and Forterra’s collaboration represents a significant leap in logistics automation, offering customers an industry-proven solution backed by two trusted innovators and providing a reliable and scalable solution for businesses looking to integrate autonomous vehicles into their operations.
The Kalmar Ottawa AutoTT™ will first be available for the Kalmar Ottawa T2, with an electric version (T2EV) to follow.
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For more information, visit Kalmar at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo, April 28-May 1, in Anaheim, California. The AutoTT is on display in Kalmar’s booth #6759.

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For more information contact: Press@Forterra.com

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As modern warfare continues to evolve, future battlefields will be shaped by the presence of autonomous ground vehicles. Positioning for success, BAE Systems recently signed a partnership agreement with Forterra – a leader in self-driving defense technology – to enable the development of autonomous ground vehicles as part of multi-domain integration. Together, both companies will play a role in transforming how military operations will be conducted in the future.

“Autonomy is at the heart of what is needed to prevail on the modern battlefield,” said John Borton, managing director of BAE Systems’ Weapons Systems UK business. “This strategic collaboration aims to bring increased capability and improved lethality to the battlefield and looks to the future of pioneering innovation.”

The partnership provides the opportunity to explore integrating Forterra’s Land Autonomy Systems onto new and existing BAE Systems ground-based platforms.

“Autonomous systems are a necessity, not a luxury, for warfighters. By integrating advanced autonomy with proven warfighting platforms, we’re ensuring that operators have the tools and capabilities at scale that they need to combat and stay ahead of evolving threats,” said Christian Seifert, head of Robotic Missile Systems at Forterra.

The combined expertise of Forterra’s innovation in driverless technology and BAE Systems’ heritage of technical excellence will equip warfighters with enhanced combat capability – helping them to stay unmatched in battle.

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CLARKSBURG, MD - January 13, 2025 - Forterra, the leader in self-driving defense technology, today announced that their system, AutoDrive, will be integrated on Oshkosh Defense’s Remotely Operated Ground Unit for Expeditionary Fires (ROGUE- Fires) for the U.S. Marine Corps, the Department of Defense's first production contract specifically for ground vehicle autonomy.

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The contract brings Forterra’s advanced stack and AutoDrive system to the ROGUE- Fires program, delivering self-driving capabilities to Marine forces. AutoDrive will enable Marines to move beyond Leader-Follower capabilities and deploy self-driving technology with high maneuverability for off-road applications in nearly any environment.

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“Fielding self-driving ground autonomy on ROGUE-Fires is crucial to the Marines’ modernization plans and Forterra is proud to partner with Oshkosh Defense on a system that will reduce casualties and improve our warfighters’ ability to fight and win,” said Christian Seifert, Head of Robotic Missile Systems at Forterra.

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“Oshkosh Defense’s partnership with Forterra reflects our shared commitment to delivering advanced, interoperable solutions that enable the U.S. Marine Corps to meet its modernization priorities,” said Pat Williams, chief programs officer at Oshkosh Defense. “By seamlessly integrating cutting-edge autonomous technologies with Oshkosh systems, we’re equipping the Marine Corps to strengthen sea denial capabilities, enhance operational agility, and maintain a decisive technological edge against evolving threats.”

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This announcement follows two Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) orders for ROGUE- Fires in Fiscal Year 2025, in support of the Marine Corps’ desire to rapidly adopt and field cutting edge, commercially available technology solutions for increased survivability and lethality of the force.

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Media Contact:
Media@Forterra.com
For more information about Forterra, please visit www.forterra.com

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Clarksburg, MD – September 10, 2024 – Forterra, a leading self-driving technology company, today announced its $75 million Series B fundraise that was more than 2.5x oversubscribed. The round was led by Moore Strategic Ventures, XYZ Venture Capital, and Hedosophia, with participation from Standard Investments and existing investors including, Enlightenment Capital, Crescent Cove Advisors, and Four More Capital. The new funding will enable Forterra to accelerate and scale the deployment of their autonomous driving system (ADS), AutoDrive®, with defense and industrial customers.

“Forterra has proven that self-driving technology can be deployed today to solve real-world challenges in demanding environments,” said Josh Araujo Forterra CEO. “We are committed to improving the lives and safety of soldiers, Marines, and industrial workers, by taking people out of harm’s way with AutoDrive.  This funding allows us to further develop, test, and deploy self-driving platforms with ever-increasing capabilities for both defense and industrial applications.”

“We can’t imagine a team better suited to take on these challenges — of everyone in the market, they have the right to win given their firsthand experience on the battlefield and interacting with government buyers,” says Ross Fubini, Managing Partner of XYZ Venture Capital, which co-led this round. “They know exactly what these machines need to be capable of doing and have the acumen and connections to move fast and build the best solutions. We see a lot of defense tech at XYZ, and Forterra is uniquely set up for product-market fit.”

Logan Ashcraft, Principal at Standard Investments, said “We believe in the potential for autonomous technology to disrupt many high-cost, low-margin business models. In its approach to both industrial and off-road autonomy, Forterra is setting a new standard for excellence across logistics, industry, and defense. We’re excited to partner with the company in its next stage of growth.”

The funding follows a series of significant milestones for Forterra over the past 12 months, including:

• The first successful deployment of autonomous driving systems (ADS) on the first production program in the Department of Defense (DoD) - The Remotely Operated Ground Unit for Expeditionary (ROGUE) Fires

• A strategic partnership with Kalmar for production of self-driving terminal tractors for global distribution

Forterra is actively delivering capabilities on these DoD ground autonomy programs, including:

o The Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV)

o The Ground Expeditionary Autonomous Retrofit System (GEARS)

o The Small Multi-purpose Equipment Transport (SMET) with operational units

These efforts enable the DoD to scale logistics capabilities and firepower without adding people to combat units. The Forterra team is committed to continuing to build innovative self-driving systems that prioritize safety, efficiency and scale, and we are excited to continue this mission.

Media Contact:

Media@Forterra.com

For more information about Forterra, please visit www.forterra.com

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