A “robot dog” carrying an artificial intelligence-enabled rifle made an appearance at a recent U.S. Army counter-drone exercise.
Exploring the possibilities of a four-legged, remote-controlled system is just one example of the Pentagon’s efforts to rapidly and at scale employ drones and counter-drone technologies.
Earlier this month, the Army and industry partners tested an armed quadrupedal unmanned ground vehicle as part of Fort Drum’s “Operation Hard Kill.” The Vision 60 Q-UGV involved in Operation Hard Kill appears to be configured with a small turret mounted on the front of the robotic dog, which holds an AR-15-type rifle.
The rifle is equipped with what seems to be a large electro-optical targeting system labeled “Lone Wolf,” featuring a prominent objective lens. This setup likely provides infrared or thermal vision capabilities, which are particularly useful for detecting aerial targets.
Additionally, a laser aiming device is attached to the side of the rifle, and a GoPro-like camera is mounted on a mast at the rear of the Q-UGV.
The event is led by the Army’s 10th Mountain Division and Development Command-Armaments Center, with the goal being to provide the Army and its partners an opportunity to test counter-drone systems they’re working on.
All-Weather Quadruped
The Ghost Robotics Vision versatile, all-weather ground drone is suitable for a variety of unstructured urban and natural settings. It is a mid-sized drone with great endurance, agility, and durability that can be used for defense, homeland security, and enterprise applications.
The quadruped is designed with several key features that enhance its operational capabilities. Weighing 112 pounds (51 kilograms), it is built to withstand harsh environmental conditions, and its IP67 rating ensures that it operates effectively within temperatures ranging from -45°C to 55°C.
The quadruped can reach a top speed of 3 meters per second and travel up to 10 kilometers on a single charge, with a maximum runtime of 3 hours. Powered by an NVIDIA Xavier CPU/GPU, the Vision 60 can carry a maximum payload of 22 pounds (10 kilograms), making it versatile for various missions.
Additionally, the unit can be assembled or disassembled in just 15 minutes, allowing for rapid deployment and ease of transport.
In a counter-drone capacity, a robotic dog could utilize its agility to access areas that are difficult or impossible for humans to reach. This capability would enable it to secure an advantageous position or a wider field of fire, enhancing protection against incoming unmanned aerial threats.
This allows friendly forces to target and neutralize enemy drones while staying safely behind.
Sources: Interesting Engineering; Business Insider