As I navigated my daily TikTok binge, I stumbled upon a jaw-dropping video that made me go down a rabbit whole of research.. Brace yourself: a robotic dog was strolling through the city streets like it owned the place. And here’s the kicker – the people around it were carrying on as if this was normal. I was so confused, and needed to know more about these robot animals.
Turns out, these robots are used more than just to show off on social media. These dogs are used in the army to “explore the realm of the possible”. These robo-dogs have actually been around since March of 2021, but have been resurfacing on social media for their genuine dog-like behaviors.
According to Master Sgt. Krystoffer Miller, a security force superintendent, said the purpose of these dogs, also called Q-UGVs, is to add an extra level of protection to army bases. The robot dogs, designed by Ghost Robotics and Immersive Wisdom, are the first ever to be integrated onto a military installation.“They can patrol the remote areas of a base while defenders can continue to patrol and monitor other critical areas of an installation.”
Mark Shackley, an innovation team lead and security force program manager for AFCEC’s NDR Division says they are also fully sealed from dust and can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. They can operate in extreme temp tires from -40° F to 131° F (-40° to 55° C).
These Q-UGVs are just one example of the good in technology. New technology has created the capability to help army base security and change how it operates. And of course, technological advancements in robots are ongoing, so Q-UGVs are likely to expand and evolve over time.
Using technology to provide military forces with valuable tools to enhance their capabilities with security challenges is very beneficial to society and will be extremely useful as it develops in years to come
In addition to their role in army base security, Q-UGVs hold significant importance in various military operations. These robots have the potential to revolutionize missions by providing real-time data and intelligence. Their ability to navigate challenging terrains and access hard-to-reach areas makes them very valuable in different types of environments.
According to Ghost Robotics, Q-UGVs can be equipped with sensor technologies such as cameras and communication devices, enabling them to gather crucial information without putting human lives at risk.
As these cutting-edge vehicles continue to evolve, their potential applications are poised to transcend current limitations, offering a variety of capabilities in various fields. As research and development efforts persist, it is evident that Q-UGVs will play an increasingly pivotal role in solving complex challenges across industries.
