Later this week, the Texas A&M system is scheduled to host the U.S. Army and manufacturers demonstrating unmanned ground combat vehicles.

It's the latest in the growing relationship between the A&M system and the Austin-based futures command, which was launched last November to adapt to emerging threats after years of counter-insurgency warfare.

Colonel Patrick Sieber, the communications director for the command, told reporters last Friday on the flagship campus about strategic partnerships with the system and other higher education institutions.

This week's demonstration involves unmanned vehicles that could help define the requirements for the Army's robotic combat vehicle program.