The US Army recently unveiled its latest innovation in military technology – a rifle-toting robot dog known as the quadruped unmanned ground vehicle (Q-UGV). This cutting-edge machine was showcased during Operation Hard Kill at Fort Drum, New York, where it demonstrated its unique capabilities.
The American Q-UGV, developed by Ghost Robotics, features an AR-15-type rifle mounted on a small turret on top of its front end. Equipped with advanced electro-optical targeting systems and a high-performance camera, this robot dog is designed to accurately locate and engage targets with precision.
Weighing just 112 pounds, the Vision 60 robot dog can reach speeds of 3 meters per second and operate for up to 3 hours. Its primary function as an anti-drone system involves detecting and neutralizing hostile unmanned aerial vehicles using its rifle.
During the demonstration, the Vision 60 displayed its ability to autonomously maneuver and aim its weapon, showcasing the potential for AI-enabled weapons systems in modern warfare. Army officials and industry partners closely monitored the robot dog’s performance and assessed its targeting data.
This unveiling comes shortly after China revealed its own version of a weapon-carrying robot dog, signaling a new era of robotic technology in military operations. With both countries showcasing similar capabilities, the future of unmanned ground vehicles in combat appears to be rapidly evolving.