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| British Army soldiers with V60 quadrupeds |
London - The British Army's 23rd Parachute Regiment has tested a four-legged robot dog. This test is to reveal the potential abilities of robot dogs as troop companions. The robot dog tested was the Ghost Robotics V60 Quadruped.
The UK is buying a four-legged robot dog for a 'dirty' and dangerous role. In addition to representatives from the British Army, the Defense Equipment and Sustainment (DE&S) Future Capabilities Group (FCG) participated in the test.
An FCG representative said after the test that using robot dogs provided an advantage for soldiers. According to him, the V60 increases the time and efficiency of soldiers to complete certain missions. Accuracy in identification, increased battlefield awareness, and supply in critical areas are the main uses of the V60.
Dave Swan of FCG presented the V60 as an opportunity to save the life of a soldier in an operation deemed too dangerous. Ghost V60 is no ordinary robot. Its main areas of action are complex urban and natural terrain, which makes it usable on any terrain.
Ghost Robotics says their product can operate in challenging weather conditions. The robot dog moves at a maximum speed of 3 m/s and can carry a payload of no more than 10 kg.
Not only can the V60 be transported by land, it can also be dropped from a helicopter or airplane. The four legs of this robot dog are interchangeable. The robot dog can draw 3D graphics of the area.
Ghost V60 not only assesses potential danger but also shares information with army units. This 'dog' is equipped with a 360-degree camera and is controlled by the operator with a control panel. This makes it a manned drone rather than an autonomous device.
The Ghost V60 is not the only “four-legged robot companion” developed by Ghost Robotics. The company has focused on this production since 2015 and has several models. All are designed to work in harsh weather conditions, as reported by Bulgarian Military.