Defence
Indian Army Is Getting Ready To Induct Robot Mules Capable Of Surveillance And Hunting Terrorists
Swarajya Staff
Jun 26, 2024, 03:34 PM | Updated 06:23 PM IST
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The Indian Army is getting ready to induct the first batch of robotic mules (multi-utility legged equipment) or 'robo dogs', which will be used in situations that are too hazardous for human soldiers to operate.
According to reports, the army placed an order for 100 mules in September last year under the fourth tranche of emergency procurement. A pre-dispatch inspection of 25 mules has already been completed by the army.
These robotic mules, bought under a Rs 285 crore deal, are capable of autonomous movement in different terrains of up to 10,000 feet.
These mules are equipped with thermal cameras and sensors and will also be able to carry small arms to engage the enemy.
The robo mules will basically be used for surveillance in mountainous terrains and dense jungles like those in Jammu and Kashmir to hunt down terrorists hiding in caves, which would otherwise be too risky for army soldiers to operate.
The mules will be robotically controlled by the soldiers.
China has already unveiled two gun-wielding robotic mules in an exercise with Cambodia.
In a video shot during joint military exercises between the Chinese and Cambodian militaries — Golden Dragon 2024 — these two robotic dogs were unveiled.
One robotic dog shown in the video weighed around 15 kilograms and was capable of providing real-time transmission of reconnaissance footage to a command post. This robot can operate for 2 to 4 hours using batteries installed in its abdomen.
It is also capable of performing various movement patterns, such as lying down and jumping, apart from standard patterns like moving forward and backward. It can also plan routes and reach close to its target, providing real-time footage of the target.
Another heavier robotic dog, weighing 50 kilograms, was also unveiled in the video.
Unlike the lighter dog, this one carried a machine gun mounted atop its back. The video showed the robotic dog firing the machine gun. While the lighter robotic dog was only capable of transmitting reconnaissance footage, the heavier dog can even destroy targets using its automatic gun.
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