The US Marines recently conducted a tactical training exercise that involved mounting a rocket launcher on a curious quadrupedal robot dubbed the "robotic goat," Interesting Engineering reports.
The exercise, which took place on Sept 9, is part of a more extensive suite of autonomous system tests conducted by the Marines but has garnered attention for its innovative approach.
The "Robot Goat" Takes Center Stage
At the heart of this novel experiment was a Chinese-made "Unitree Go1," a robot typically referred to as a "robotic dog." However, for reasons yet to be explained, this particular variant became known as the "robotic goat."
Notably affordable and widely available online, the Unitree Go1 was fitted with an M72 Light Anti-tank Weapon (LAW) RPG, a NATO-standard armament known for its simplicity, disposability, and ease of use.
The M72 LAW, in service with the US forces since 1963, weighs a mere 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg) and boasts rockets with a maximum range of 3,280 feet (approximately 1 km), though it is most effective when fired at a distance of 650 feet (198 meters).
Typically, this kind of weapon is used in close-quarters urban combat scenarios. Still, the Marines decided to test its viability when mounted on a remotely operated robot like the "Unitree Go1."
A Leap Towards Remote Warfare
1st Lt. Aaron Safadi, an officer in charge of the emerging technology integration section of the Tactical Training and Exercise Control group, described the innovative approach, saying, "Instead of having a Marine handle the weapon system, manipulate the safeties, we could put a remote trigger mechanism on it that allowed it to all be done remotely."
"The Marine could be behind cover and concealment, the weapon system could go forward, and the Marine could manipulate the safeties from a safe place while allowing that weapon system to get closer to its target," Safadi pictured.
To mount the M72 LAW on the "robotic goat," a metal box housing firing controls and safety switches was equipped on the robot's back.
Once a rocket had been fired, the box could be opened, the used launcher discarded, and a new M72 LAW installed. This system promises to be remarkably handy in combat situations.
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Keeping Humans Safe with Robotics
During the operation, the "robotic goat" can be controlled by an operator using a video-game-like controller. This setup allows the robot to scout ahead using its camera "eyes" to assess the situation.
When in position, the rocket can be fired remotely using the controller. If the robot survives the encounter, it can loiter to confirm a successful hit before moving on or returning to base for rearming.
The implications of this development are significant. Armed forces worldwide may now have the means to reduce the risk of human casualties when engaging heavily armed targets like tanks.
Additionally, this technology opens up intriguing possibilities for tactical deployments in urban warfare and subterranean engagements, such as underground tunnels and facilities.
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