New Delhi: Think of eastern border, be it Galwan or Arunachal Pradesh where news comes sometimes of clashes between Indian and Chinese soldiers. Soon that will be the matter of past. The reason?
Both India and neighbouring China have developed four legged robots that are most likely to replace human soldiers across the LAC in future.
China recently showcased its machine-gun-toting ‘robodog’ in the recently concluded China-Cambodia wargames. Media reports have claimed that Beijing could deploy these robodogs along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India.
According to the reports, the armed “robodogs” came equipped with remote-controlled drone soldiers with back-mounted machine guns. There have been no reports of live-fire demonstrations by these robodogs, but the top Cambodian brass did get a taste of its mobility. It also showed that it is ready for frontline use.
The two-minute video made during the China-Cambodia “Golden Dragon 2024” exercise also shows the robot dog walking, hopping, lying down and moving backwards under the control of a remote operator.
In one drill, the rifle-firing robot leads an infantry unit into a simulated building.
Indian Army has also made a significant leap forward with the introduction of the Multi-Utility Legged Equipment (MULE), a robotic mule dog designed to enhance combat and surveillance missions.
The MULE, a four-legged robot, is engineered with a sleek design that integrates advanced technologies such as thermal cameras and radars, essential for reconnaissance and surveillance operations. The robot boasts a payload capacity of 12 kilograms (26.5 pounds), which allows it to be equipped with small arms.
These arms can actively engage enemy positions, thereby keeping soldiers at a safer distance during confrontations.
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