August 7th, 2024

Robot Dog with Gun Turret for Hunting Aerial Drones Being Tested by Army

The U.S. Army is testing a robot dog with a gun turret as part of Operation Hard Kill to enhance anti-drone capabilities, featuring advanced targeting systems and supporting a layered defense strategy.

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Robot Dog with Gun Turret for Hunting Aerial Drones Being Tested by Army

The U.S. Army is testing a robot dog equipped with a gun turret designed to counter aerial drone threats. This initiative is part of Operation Hard Kill, aimed at enhancing anti-drone capabilities in response to lessons learned from conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. The robot, a Ghost Robotics Vision 60, features an AR-15/M16-type carbine mounted on a turret, along with advanced targeting systems, including infrared/thermal vision and laser aiming devices. The Army's 10th Mountain Division and the Development Command-Armaments Center are leading the live-fire exercises at Fort Drum, New York. The robot dog is intended to provide localized security and scouting capabilities, allowing forces to engage drones while remaining protected. While this technology is promising, it is not seen as a standalone solution; the Army envisions a layered defense strategy against drone threats. Other counter-drone systems are also being demonstrated, including a Containerized Weapon System and a Rheinmetall Mission Master vehicle with Miniguns. The military is exploring various configurations for armed robot dogs, which could also be used for other combat roles beyond drone hunting.

- The U.S. Army is testing a robot dog with a gun turret for countering drones.

- The initiative is part of Operation Hard Kill, focusing on enhancing anti-drone capabilities.

- The robot dog features advanced targeting systems for effective engagement.

- The Army aims for a layered defense strategy against drone threats.

- Other counter-drone systems are being demonstrated alongside the robot dog.

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Link Icon 18 comments
By @seanhunter - 9 months
If you ever find yourself asking whether or not we are living in the future yet, the question "Are robot dogs with guns hunting flying robots for military purposes?" might be a good barometer.
By @ambicapter - 9 months
What better way to drive acceptance of robot soldiers then to start out having them only hunting robots first.
By @a_e_k - 9 months
Robot animals with gun turrets make me think of Horizon: Zero Dawn.

For example, the Ravager: https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/horizon-ze...

By @TacticalCoder - 9 months
What about aerial drones flying over seas? Are we going to get, at long last, sharks with lasers?
By @gorgoiler - 9 months
If find it hard to believe that the Ghost Robotics platform could get more than a single shot off without falling over, or at least becoming unstable to the point of being incapable of firing further rounds. As others have said though, perhaps there is also a unique dispersal ammunition in use here that makes a single shot kill feasible? Like a grown up version of .22 rifle-chambered vermin shot, or some kind of miniature flak?

The compact-tractor Rheinmetall Mission Master, shown in the article, seems a far more likely platform with the downside that they nearly are two orders of magnitude bigger (500kg payload vs 20kg for the GR Vision). A 20mm auto cannon turret firing air burst rounds would be effective against many more targets. It also carries your lunch for you (they are designed primarily as infantry packhorses.)

By @j_timberlake - 9 months
The ones in Black Mirror could fire shrapnel at people and then other dogs could detect that shrapnel at long-range to hunt down the targets, but I'm not seeing that kind of functionality on any of these dogs.

Maybe the USA is keeping that part secret from adversaries, that's smart.

By @ThrowawayR2 - 9 months
The video of the small unmanned vehicle carrying twin mininguns(!) for drone defense was rather nifty as well. If it had appeared in a video game, more than a few, myself included, would have declared it implausible but there it is.
By @ryandvm - 9 months
Looking forward to US police departments getting these when our military does their yearly Goodwill drop offs...
By @sparrish - 9 months
Why do they have them running an M4? I would think a shotgun would be better for hunting drones.
By @katzinsky - 9 months
There are decent mobile robot and pan/tilt platforms on Amazon for <$200. Hooking a gun and mobilenet up to this would be a Saturday afternoon project for most people here.

If you're worried about robots with guns that ship sailed a long time ago.

By @swagasaurus-rex - 9 months
What about mounting it onto an actual dog?

pros:

• longer battery life • more mobility • easier to program • can chase drones that are flying low • capable of locating and disarming infantry

cons:

• May not always follow instructions • May not always sit still

By @jonathanoliver - 9 months
This reminds me of the droid in the 1987 Robocop movie:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYsulVXpgYg

What could go wrong?

By @CatWChainsaw - 9 months
Name it Nexus, after that timeless sci-fi novel Don't Create The Torment Nexus.
By @datahack - 9 months
Codename for the project: Wrecks.

Good dog. Now stop chasing the mechas before you get hurt.

By @newsclues - 9 months
MG-3 would be perfect