thedrifter
09-28-09, 08:38 AM
Drafted for duty
Nicolas Mokhoff
(09/28/2009 12:01 AM EDT)
Robots are playing an ever-increasing role in the military, serving in both combat and rescue missions. It is estimated that the joint services of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines have some 6,000 robots in deployment, more than half of which are used to detect bombs and other explosives.
Still, robotics technology is underutilized in defense roles, according to Ellen Purdy, enterprise director of Joint Ground Robotics for the U.S. Department of Defense. "Money invested by visionaries is not making it to the deployment of robots in the military," Purdy told an audience at the recent NI Week conference. "The military is still trying to figure out how an armed robot should be designed and operated to conform to the laws of armed conflict."
Despite the philosophical and legal issues surrounding robots' use in the military, R&D in defense robotics continues unabated. The machines shown here were exhibited at the recent Robotics Rodeo, held at Fort Hood, Texas.
Ellie
PHOTO 1:This robotic vehicle packs four 40-mm grenade launchers and an M249
PHOTO 2: The RIPSAW-MS1 unmanned convoy security vehicle carries six claymore mines.
PHOTO 3: On-board programs let this bot roam freely or follow human commands
Nicolas Mokhoff
(09/28/2009 12:01 AM EDT)
Robots are playing an ever-increasing role in the military, serving in both combat and rescue missions. It is estimated that the joint services of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines have some 6,000 robots in deployment, more than half of which are used to detect bombs and other explosives.
Still, robotics technology is underutilized in defense roles, according to Ellen Purdy, enterprise director of Joint Ground Robotics for the U.S. Department of Defense. "Money invested by visionaries is not making it to the deployment of robots in the military," Purdy told an audience at the recent NI Week conference. "The military is still trying to figure out how an armed robot should be designed and operated to conform to the laws of armed conflict."
Despite the philosophical and legal issues surrounding robots' use in the military, R&D in defense robotics continues unabated. The machines shown here were exhibited at the recent Robotics Rodeo, held at Fort Hood, Texas.
Ellie
PHOTO 1:This robotic vehicle packs four 40-mm grenade launchers and an M249
PHOTO 2: The RIPSAW-MS1 unmanned convoy security vehicle carries six claymore mines.
PHOTO 3: On-board programs let this bot roam freely or follow human commands