The U.S. Army tests a new robot dog with artificial intelligence, equipped with a high-powered rifle.
China, Russia, and the United Kingdom are also working on the development of "killer robots."
The United States Army has conducted tests in Saudi Arabia with an armed quadrupedal robot, called Vision 60, designed to neutralize drones. This unmanned vehicle, developed by Ghost Robotics, features various advanced characteristics that enhance its performance on the battlefield. Its main function is in anti-drone operations, and it is equipped with a turret that mounts an AR-15/M16 rifle, allowing it to detect and engage aerial targets.
The evaluation of the Vision 60, carried out at the Red Sands Integrated Experimental Center, is part of a broader strategy to develop effective defense systems in response to the increasing presence of drones in conflict situations. A video released shows the robot in action, using an electro-optical targeting system that enables it to reach its targets with great precision. The words "Lone Wolf" have been inscribed on the equipment, which have also been used in recent operations by the U.S. Army.
In the military context, active defense systems can be classified into "hard kill" and "soft kill". The Vision 60, being a "hard kill" system, is designed to physically destroy incoming threats by intercepting them in the air. In contrast, "soft kill" systems aim to disrupt or disable enemy equipment through non-destructive means, such as electronic jamming.
Ghost Robotics claims that the Vision 60 Q-UGV is highly adaptable and capable of operating in various terrains and conditions. This robot has been used by several armed forces worldwide for activities ranging from surveillance to search and rescue missions. The recent test of the armed model represents one of the first instances in which a militarized use of the platform has been publicly demonstrated in anti-drone operations.
The United States Army continues to advance its defense technologies, particularly in the area of robotics and artificial intelligence. Although the use of armed robots, often referred to as "killer robots," generates controversy, other countries such as China, Russia, and the United Kingdom are also developing similar robotic systems.
Despite the employment of robotic systems in military roles, the deployment of autonomous and armed machines in combat remains uncommon. Critics emphasize the importance of considering the ethical implications of these technologies, as the introduction of autonomous lethal force raises serious moral and legal questions. Nevertheless, there is an active global competition to develop armed robots powered by artificial intelligence, aimed at reducing human intervention in high-risk combat situations and improving the effectiveness of defense systems.
