The military and defense organizations have developed innovative robots to drive efficiencies, protect the lives of soldiers, traverse hazardous environments, respond to emergencies, and improve mission accuracy.
In recent years, an increase in global conflicts combined with rapid technological advancements has seen the demand for these machines grow exponentially. Indeed, the global military robots market size is expected to reach $32.7 billion by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 7.5% between 2022 and 2030.
In the United States, the Department of Defense (DoD) is the largest customer for unmanned systems technologies, having an approximate spend of $7.5 billion in 2021.
From autonomous tanks and surveillance systems to firefighting robots and military drones, here are six ways the military is using robotics.
1. Military Transportation
Transporting military equipment, such as bombs and artillery supplies, carrying soldiers to and from battlefields, and recovering injured soldiers or casualties are but a few of the roles that can be performed by a military transportation robot.
These robots can drive logistics efficiencies, reduce the physical burden placed on soldiers, and navigate difficult terrains in adverse weather conditions.
Remote-controlled or autonomous vehicles are the future of military transportation robots since they can advance into a war zone, or another hazardous situation, without putting additional human lives at risk.
In December, it was announced that the DoD had awarded a $49.9 million 24-month contract to Kodiak Robotics. The self-driving trucking company will aid in the automation of future U.S. Army ground vehicles, designed to navigate complex terrain and provide the army with the ability to remotely operate vehicles during high-risk missions.
2. Surveillance
Typically fitted with weapons, high-sensor cameras, and infrared vision, surveillance robots are critical to military operations; enabling the close monitoring of enemy territories to provide battlefield intelligence and, ultimately, tactical advantage.
These robots negate the need for human scouts, thus protecting the lives of soldiers who would otherwise hold that role while also helping to safeguard the lives of all soldiers on a mission. They can even be made small enough to ensure they are undetectable to an enemy.
Guardbot is a spherical amphibious surveillance robot that can roll on any terrain, including snow, sand, and dirt. Though originally developed for missions to Mars, the robot has applications in surveillance, security, and military missions. It’s fitted with two surveillance cameras and a 25-hour battery, and it can be integrated with sensors, cameras, and communication and navigation subsystems. It can be controlled remotely or via satellites, and smaller versions of the robot can search under vehicles.
3. Search and Rescue
Casualties often occur in war zones because it is too difficult or too risky to extract injured soldiers. Autonomous or remote-controlled search and rescue robots can drastically reduce emergency response time, accurately pinpointing the location of human life and immediately embarking on a rescue mission, irrespective of any human, nuclear, chemical, biological, or radiological threats that might be present.
DEEP Robotics, for example, has developed a dog-like robot called Jueying X20. Able to navigate uneven terrains, this machine’s features include autonomous navigation and an ability to climb a 35-degree slope. It can carry important medical equipment such as oxygen tanks, making it invaluable in a search and rescue mission.
4. Neutralizing
Many of the military robots in development today can perform highly skilled tasks with remarkable precision. This includes robots that detect and remove landmines and sea mines and sophisticated robotic arms that neutralize suspicious objects or bombs without putting a single human life at risk.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) robots are specifically designed to identify and disarm improvised explosive devices, traps, and other dangerous substances in enclosed areas. These robots are typically used for route clearing, checkpoints, and vehicle inspections.
PackBot 510, for example, performs bomb disposal, surveillance and reconnaissance, CBRN detection, and hazmat handling operations.
Dragon Runner is small enough to be carried and thrown. It is created to offer safety and support for reconnaissance, situational awareness, security, inspection, and IED missions. The robot’s development was funded by the United States Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory in conjunction with Carnegie Mellon University, and it has since been commercialized by Qinetiq North America.
5. Drones
Military drones are often the first responders in an emergency situation. With the ability to hover over an area for an extended period, they can assess hazards, gather intelligence, and pinpoint lost or wounded soldiers.
In February, it was revealed that the U.S. Air Force has developed the technology to equip autonomous drones with face recognition technology. These drones are intended for use by special operations forces to gather intelligence ahead of missions in foreign countries.
6. Firefighting
Fires remain one of the biggest threats to shipboard life, but that’s something the U.S. Navy is hoping to change.
In 2015, it unveiled SAFFiR (Shipboard Autonomous Firefighting Robot), a humanoid-type robot that can navigate a ship’s narrow passageways, ladders, and hatches and has enough battery power for 30 minutes of firefighting. This 143-pound robot is fitted with a camera, a gas sensor, and a stereo infrared camera, and it can move through black smoke, manipulate fire-suppressing equipment, and throw propelled extinguishing agent technologies (PEAT) grenades.
In time, the Navy plans to enhance the robot’s intelligence and extend its battery life so it can fight fires more effectively.
