The US Marines Quickly Armed a Robot Dog with a Rocket Launcher

If you find the concept of robot dogs equipped with flamethrowers impressive, consider the idea of a robot dog carrying an anti-tank rocket launcher on its back. This unique research concept was put to the test at the US Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in California last September.

Robotic dogs unquestionably rank high in terms of cuteness as they prance and frolic in the countryside and sit upright on their hind legs. However, curiously, they seem to inspire a desire to equip them with sniper rifles and various other weapons.

Enhancing Military Capabilities and Ensuring Soldier Safety Through Robotic Integration

Utilizing a robot dog (referred to as a robot goat by the Marines) equipped with a rocket launcher may appear unusual, yet there is a profound purpose behind these displays. Globally, armed forces are increasingly integrating robots to enhance their capabilities and safeguard human personnel.

In the recent test, the objective was to demonstrate how a compact robot could assist a soldier in various tasks, including engaging armored vehicles.

The specific robot used by the Marines was not disclosed, but it strongly resembles the Unitree quadruped robotic dog, which is commercially available for around $5,000. According to a spokesperson, this robot is too lightweight, delicate, and has limited battery life for actual military operations. Instead, its primary purpose was to serve as a technology demonstrator.

During the test, the robotic dog was equipped with an M72 Light Anti-tank Weapon (LAW) rocket launcher. This launcher, in service since 1963, is lightweight, user-friendly, and disposable. While it may not be potent enough to engage main battle tanks, it is suitable for lighter armored vehicles and other targets.

User-Friendly Operation and Remote Control for Weapon System Deployment

Moreover, it is straightforward to operate. A human soldier completed the setup, which involved removing protective caps, extending the launch tube, raising the sights, setting the safety to “Armed,” and pressing the “Fire” button, while a remote operator fired the rocket.

“Rather than requiring a Marine to manually operate the weapon system and handle the safety measures, we could implement a remote trigger mechanism,” explained 1st Lieutenant Aaron Safadi, who is in charge of the emerging technology integration section at TTECG. “This would enable the Marine to stay behind cover and concealment, while the weapon system advances. The Marine could then manage the safety measures from a secure location, allowing the weapon system to approach its target.”

The video below demonstrates the robot dog in action.

Read the original article: New Atlas

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