While many military robots are the increasingly familiar small and tank-like unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) moving on treads or wheels, other more specialized types are appearing. Some have wings and can be hand-launched from a backpack, or remotely from an otherwise inaccessible location.
Other military robots are autonomous vehicles that can drive themselves, or consist of integrated hardware kits that either convert existing vehicles to autonomous navigation or add remote control abilities. Most of these robotic systems include a wide range of audio, video, sensor, and communications abilities, and some are accompanied by sophisticated software suites.
Click on the image below to see 10 of these robotic systems that are making strides in the military.
The Nighthawk Micro Air Vehicle (MAV) is a rugged, fully automated unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) made of carbon fiber composite. It uses GPS and autopilot technologies for navigating unfriendly territories to conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. Its range is over 10 km (6 miles) and flight time is more than 60 minutes. The Nighthawk weighs 1.6 lb (725 gm), has a wingspan of 26 inches (66 cm), and a cruise speed of 18 to 30-plus knots. The MAV is equipped with 8-channel command and control, 4-channel video, and operates on batteries. It has forward and side-looking electro-optical cameras and a side or forward-looking thermal imager. A PC-based user interface provides real-time visual feedback and point-and-click waypoint navigation. The system can also be operated in semi-manual and manual flight modes. MAVs are stored fully assembled and ready to launch in a tube measuring 6 inches (15.2 cm) in diameter and attached to an assault pack. The assault pack's outer pockets hold a rugged laptop computer, the ground control station, and an antenna assembly. The pack's total weight is about 15 lb (6 kg). (Source: Applied Research Associates)
It's quite interesting to see the latest and greatest in robots from the military, which as usual is on the bleeding edge in terms of sophistication and functionality. I'm not sure if these types of robots will ever replace human activity but they certainly make some tasks safer for military personnel and enhance their capability.
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