Every kid knows the solution is "gobots"
Equipment that is modular and interchangable.
It should be possible to build "connector knobs" on all equipment that interfaces with other "connector knobs".
Then different types of lightweight and heavier armor, or no armor can be quickly attached to the bottom, sides or top on any piece of equipment.
It doesn't just have to be "armor". Water tanks, fuel tanks, ammunition, and all other types of supplies and small equipment should have "connector knobs" so it can be attached to any other "connector knob".
You are correct. This idea has been around a long time, going back to before object oriented design and programming, but few seem to have embraced it. Glad to see you advocating it.
It would save a lot of money and improve performance while eliminating duplication and the continuously reinventing of the wheel. Maybe that is why it is ignored, too much money in doing it the way it is.
Thanks for the observation.
Since this article is from Defense Tech, I suspect someone is selling their product through an infomercial.