US Army tests rifle-toting robot dog to bite intruder drones with bullets

The US Army is integrating cutting-edge technology both on the ground and in the air to create more effective and deadly military formations in the future.

Now, it is testing advanced equipment, including an AI riffle-holding robot dog, in its efforts to develop solutions for taking down intruder drones.

An exercise in this regard was held on August 1 at Fort Drum, New York, as part of Operation Hard Kill. Through the operation, the venue has emerged as a premier Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) defeat training facility.

The US Army has been testing rifle-armed robot dogs for a while now, mainly based on the Ghost Robotics Vision 60, which has potential beyond counter-drone roles.

The Marine Commandos have tested these robots with rifles, while conventional Marines trial others with anti-armor rockets. Unarmed models are also used for base perimeter patrols.

Advancing UAS defense

Operation Hard Kill showcased the advanced capabilities and tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) of both lethal and non-lethal systems employed by US Forces in the Central Command (CENTCOM) region.

The exercise, spearheaded by the Army ’s 10th Mountain Division and the Development Command-Armaments Center (DEVCOM-AC), began last month and is scheduled to conclude this week.

The event included a Ghost Robotics Vision 60 quadruped equipped with an AR-15/M16-type carbine. The Vision 60 Q-UGV involved in Operation Hard Kill appears to be configured with a small turret mounted on the front of the robotic dog, which holds an AR-15-type rifle.

According to The War Zone ( TWZ ), the rifle is equipped with what seems to be a large electro-optical targeting system labeled “Lone Wolf,” featuring a prominent objective lens. This setup likely provides infrared or thermal vision capabilities, which are particularly useful for detecting aerial targets.

Additionally, a laser aiming device is attached to the side of the rifle, and a GoPro-like camera is mounted on a mast at the rear of the Q-UGV.

The Army’s recent images and videos from Operation Hard Kill highlight various counter-drone technologies in action. TWZ reports that among these is the Containerized Weapon System (CWS), which can be adapted for counter-drone operations with laser-guided 70mm rockets.

The CWS is also versatile enough to be equipped with Javelin anti-tank missiles and other armaments for engaging ground-based threats.

All-weather quadruped

Ghost Vision’s versatile, all-weather ground drone is suitable for a variety of unstructured urban and natural settings. It is a mid-sized drone with great endurance, agility, and durability that can be used for defense, homeland security, and enterprise applications.

The quadruped is designed with several key features that enhance its operational capabilities. Weighing 112 pounds (51 kilograms), it is built to withstand harsh environmental conditions, and its IP67 rating ensures that it operates effectively within temperatures ranging from -45°C to 55°C.

The quadruped can reach a top speed of 3 meters per second and travel up to 10 kilometers on a single charge, with a maximum runtime of 3 hours. Powered by an NVIDIA Xavier CPU/GPU, the Vision 60 can carry a maximum payload of 22 pounds (10 kilograms), making it versatile for various missions.

Additionally, the unit can be assembled or disassembled in just 15 minutes, allowing for rapid deployment and ease of transport.

In a counter-drone capacity, a robotic dog could utilize its agility to access areas that are difficult or impossible for humans to reach. This capability would enable it to secure an advantageous position or a wider field of fire, enhancing protection against incoming unmanned aerial threats.

Additionally, according to TWZ , this allows friendly forces to target and neutralize enemy drones while staying safely behind.