TOP 7 smart development of robots and drones for military missions

2024 Author: Seth Attwood | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 15:55

Along with the development of mankind, the methods of warfare in military conflicts are also changing. Armament is becoming more and more technological, and the use of robots and unmanned aerial vehicles for solving tactical tasks has become commonplace. The Novate.ru review contains seven interesting developments that increase the combat power of special forces soldiers and law enforcement officers.

1. PD-100 Black Hornet

This small drone weighing 18 grams (length 100 mm, width 25 mm) looks very much like a toy helicopter. But the first impression is deceiving, in fact, the Black Hornet is the world's smallest unmanned aerial vehicle used for reconnaissance and surveillance of the enemy. The drone is equipped with three video surveillance cameras transmitting data in real time, and is capable of operating in harsh weather conditions despite its micro-size. At the same time, it is difficult to find it due to the silent electric motors and high maneuverability. The drone has successfully passed the "baptism of fire" in Afghanistan, and was adopted by the armies of the USA, Great Britain, Norway and several other countries.

2. Dogo

The tracked robot, developed by the Israeli company General Robotics, is able to become an excellent assistant for special forces and anti-terrorist units. It can move over rough terrain, overcome puddles, climb steps and most importantly, it is easy to move in confined spaces due to its compact size. Dogo fires a 9mm Glock-26 pistol and is specially designed for this weapon, which is fully integrated with all its systems. Moreover, the pistol is built inside the blocks and is absolutely invisible from the outside. The robot can also be equipped with non-lethal weapons: flash and noise charges, blinding laser, etc.

The Dogo Surveillance System consists of six cameras for panoramic views and two more for aiming by the operator. The built-in microphone and speaker allow the robot to be used as a repeater when negotiating with terrorists or hostages.

3. GuardBot

The robotic system GuardBot was developed by the American company GuardBot Inc and has an unusual spherical shape. The drone ball is powered by batteries and can operate in two modes: remotely controlled and autonomous. GuardBot is equipped with sensors, video cameras, laser spectroscope, GPS, microphones, audio equipment and is capable of simultaneously broadcasting several data streams received from different angles. The device can move both on land in difficult conditions (sand, snow, surfaces with an inclination of up to 30 degrees), and on water (both upstream and downstream). It is set in motion by a drive system with a pendulum, which, according to the control algorithm, changes the center of gravity, which gives the ball an impulse to move. The capabilities of the device are wide, it can be used for reconnaissance and patrolling the area, searching for planted mines and other devices, as well as delivering explosives to a given point.

Interesting fact from Novate.ru:Initially, the developers intended to use GuardBot for planetary missions on Mars. However, the project later attracted the attention of the US Navy, interested in mobile unmanned devices capable of moving on various types of surfaces. The drone balloon was field tested at the Little Creek Naval Base, and in February 2020 GuardBot Inc announced that it was partnering with Aquiline Drones to complement the craft's cloud-based aerial drone capabilities.

4. THeMIS

The unmanned ground robot THeMIS, developed by the Estonian company Milrem Robotics, demonstrates impressive versatility. It is built on the basis of a modular system and, depending on the chosen configuration, it can perform different tasks. As an observation platform, it allows reconnaissance in dangerous areas without endangering personnel. When performing logistic functions, THeMIS can transport equipment, ammunition and other cargo weighing up to 750 kg.

The combat variation is protected by level 3 armor (according to NATO standards), and is equipped with a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun and a 40 mm grenade launcher. The operator controls the movements of the robot and shoots at targets using a remote control module, and the accuracy of shots is provided by the built-in Fire Control System. THeMIS has been tested in exercises in the armies of Estonia and Holland, as well as during the military operation in Mali, and has proven its effectiveness as a means of supporting infantry.

5. Tikad

The era of drone warfare is on its way: the American company Duke Robotics has created an unmanned aerial vehicle capable of accurate shooting in the air. It can carry a load weighing up to 18 kilograms, which allows it to carry on board both a sniper rifle and a machine gun, grenade launcher or other types of weapons. The Tikad feature is a patented stabilization system that effectively dampens the recoil of the weapon. As a result, the drone does not throw it from its place with each shot, and the operator can fire at the enemy without losing aiming. The stabilization platform also makes it possible to use the drone on the ground as an autonomous installation for snipers.

6. FLIR Scorpion

The FLIR Scorpion robot, developed by the American company Endeavor Robotics, can perform a variety of tasks: from reconnaissance to destruction of ammunition. Among his skills: the ability to open car doors, move over rough terrain, climb stairs, navigate narrow corridors and even work underwater. Lightweight and durable, the robot can be carried in a backpack and deployed for use in a matter of seconds. It moves on a caterpillar track and, in the event of a fall, quickly returns to the correct position thanks to its special design. The robot is equipped with multiple high definition cameras that feed the image to the controller's touch screen. Its manipulator lifts up to 6, 8 kg and easily gets into hard-to-reach places thanks to its ability to rotate 360 degrees.

7. Sea Wasp

And now let's go under the water, where the hostilities are also taking place. Explosives are usually disarmed by diving teams, a slow and very dangerous job. The Swedish company Saab has created an underwater unmanned vehicle that allows you to dispose of explosive devices from a safe distance. The Sea Wasp robot is equipped with video cameras and multibeam sonar. Having found a dangerous object, he "remembers" its location and then returns to the operator for the detonating device. Next, the robot follows back to the place of discovery and installs a detonator, which the operator detonates remotely after the device moves to a safe distance.