Robot dogs tested by US Space Force at Cape Canaveral
The robot dogs begin to find their place in the military. Recently, the U.S. Space Force conducted a demonstration session of dog-like robotic vehicles and who are called Q-UGV or Quadruped Unmanned Ground Vehicles. These robots were manufactured by the company Ghost Robotics and at least two were used to demonstrate their ability to perform repetitive tasks and conduct security patrols.
According to the United States Department of Defense, robot dogs will be used by the Space Launch Delta 45 to “assess the damage and conduct patrols to save significant man-hours”.
The demonstration of the use of Q-UGVs was carried out at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on July 27 and 28.
The possible roles of robot dogs
In images taken during the demonstration, a member of staff can be seen with a control module in the hands. But Ghost Robotics robots can work in an autonomous way. They can also respond to voice commands.
The robots Q-UGV Vision 60 can be equipped with a wide variety of optical and acoustic sensors. It can thus be used as “eyes and ears” in sensitive installations such as the base of the US Space Force.
By installing antennae on robot dogs, they can serve as miniaturized communication nodes. This makes it possible to quickly extend communication networks beyond existing infrastructure or into areas without any infrastructure.
Robots already tested
Previously, robot dogs had been tested by the US Air Force for perimeter defense tasks. They were also used as part of the extended test of the data sharing network ABMS or Advanced Battle Management System. During this test which took place in 2020, robot dogs that were at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada were able to “provide real-time strike targeting data to USAF operators” in Florida via the satellite links of star link.
It is also known that the Q-UGV robots from Ghost Robotics have been designed to withstand water and bad weather. In another test, they were fitted with tail-like charges that allowed them to move underwater.
In the near future, we can thus expect a more significant presence of these robot dogs in the military sector. However, they can also be used in emergency situations, in industries, and to ensure public safety.
SOURCE: Space.com
