10 of the most advanced military robots in the world

Paul Ratner

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In the iconic film “The Terminator” AI, armed with killer robots, takes over the world in 2029 — just a few years in the future from now. How close are we to that fictional reality? While we seem to be closer to creating our version of the AI-powered SkyNet, the military is also on track to develop some amazing robots.

The army is already using automated machines for a variety of purposes -- from transportation, training, search and rescue, to clearing mines, fighting fire, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

Most commonly, military robots can be broken down into three types: Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), and Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUV).

Here are some of the most advanced military robots at this time (that we know about):

1. MQ-28 Ghost Bat

Manufactured in Australia by Boeing, the MQ-28 Ghost Bat UAV is a wingman drone that’s 38 feet long and can fly for over 2,000 nautical miles. Equipped with a variety of sensors, the Ghost Bat supports reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence missions, utilizing AI for independent flight.

Described as a “force multiplier,” it can also be used in conjunction with crewed aircraft. The U.S. Air Force interested in the Ghost Bat as it looks to create a fleet of 1,000 drones, or CCAs (“collaborative combat aircraft”), flying next to fighter jets in battle.

The Ghost Bat features a modular system that allows the nose of the aircraft to be swapped out with those containing other equipment packages. In this way, the equipment modules can vary depending on the mission, be it gathering intelligence, combat, or electronic warfare.

2. RIPSAW M5

The Ripsaw unmanned ground combat vehicles (UGVs), currently in their 5th generation, were designed for speed and maneuverability on the battlefield. Currently owned by Textron Systems, the UGVs were developed by Howe & Howe Technologies, which started up as a family project by two twin brothers.

Touting silent operation, these vehicles are under order by the U.S. Army, which is hoping to utilize them as part of its Robotic Combat Vehicle-Medium (RCV-M) program.

The Ripsaws can be useful in a variety of applications, from protecting convoys and conducting rescue missions to setting up a perimeter defense, surveillance, patrolling the border, and crowd control. They can also handle the disposal of explosive devices. The UGVs offer a great amount of situational awareness to their operators, with mounted cameras providing 360-degree coverage.

3. THeMIS

The THeMIS from Milrem Robotics is a ground vehicle, whose purpose, according to the manufacturer, is to “reduce the number of troops on the battlefield.” The vehicle has so far been subjected to various exercises and saw action during the anti-insurgency mission Operation Barkhane in Mali.

The THeMIS can be reconfigured for uses from transport to attack and can be used for ordnance disposal and supporting intelligence operations. It has been purchased by 16 countries, including the United States, the UK, Spain, Norway, Netherlands, Estonia, France, and Germany.

While configured as THeMIS Cargo, the vehicle reduces the load soldiers have to carry, accompanying them with additional gear and firepower. It can also support logistical activities at a base or for last-mile resupply.

As a mortar carrier, the THeMIS can safely transport a mortar up to 81mm. While set up as a Cargo CASEVAC, the vehicle helps with the quick evacuation of casualties to medical facilities, reducing the need for human power that’s normally necessary for such tasks.

4. Robobee

The Robobee is a tiny flying robot, developed not only for military purposes but for civilian reconnaissance and search missions. Created at Harvard’s Microbotics Laboratory, the Robobee is smaller than a quarter. With the application of voltage, its artificial muscles contract for applications such as flight and swimming. The designers are also working on creating large groups of Robobees that work together with coordinated behavior.

The Robobees are equipped with sensors and electronics that mimic the eyes and antennae of bees, allowing the robots to interact dynamically with their environment. Civilian uses of Robobees could include crop pollination, disaster relief, and high-resolution monitoring of weather and environmental factors.

5. Ghost 4

Ghost 4, from Anduril Industries, is a quiet, smart, and modular UAS that’s geared for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. Additional uses of the drone could include delivering cargo, electronic warfare, or fighting intrusions.

Its small size (2.72 meters in length and 0.42 in width) and helicopter-like single-rotor design, allows for Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) in small spaces. It is equipped with an EO/IR gimbal that can support a variety of payloads at the same, while its sensor gimbals, spotlights, speakers, and other equipment allow for additional options during missions.

The versatility of the weatherproofed drone is supported by its ability to withstand high winds and other difficult flight conditions. It can even be submerged in up to 1 m of water.

6. StrykerX

Created by General Dynamics, StrykerX is a new version of the defense maker’s Stryker infantry carrier vehicles. The StrykerX incorporates a tremendous amount of tech, including unmanned capabilities.

This vehicle allows for unprecedented cooperation with the operators, featuring a range of advanced technologies that can help support soldiers in the field of battle. Stryker X can shoot laser weapons, launch drone attacks, and carry out electronic warfare.

Its hybrid-electric engine helps achieve a longer “silent watch” operation, allowing the vehicle to conduct reconnaissance missions without generating acoustic or thermal signatures. It can also fire accurate air-burst rounds from an unmanned 30mm cannon over a long range.

7. Jaguar

The Jaguar is a robotic vehicle developed by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to replace soldiers on the battlefield and border patrol missions. It features a 7.62mm MAG machine gun that can shoot while the UGV is stationary or on the move.

Named “Jaguar” for its maneuverability, the vehicle is also equipped with high-resolution cameras, headlights, a remote-controlled public address system (PA), and transmitters.

Among its capabilities is the ability to drive itself to a specific destination by using its sensors to avoid obstacles. The Jaguar can also self-destruct if it is captured by the enemy.

8. DOGO

A small “tactical combat robot,” DOGO was designed by General Robotics as a watchdog for soldiers in the field and to assist in anti-terrorism operations, including in situations of urban warfare or hostage rescue, law enforcement, and special ops.

The robot is designed to aid SWAT teams and in close-quarters combat (CQB), whether inside buildings or underground. Operators can use a Point & Shoot interface to control the DOGO, moving it by clicking on a screen.

The UGV is armed with a 9mm Glock pistol and can utilize its heavy-duty treads to traverse any terrain. Very portable, it weighs only 26 points and can be carried by a soldier in one hand.

With 8 cameras providing a 360-degree view and two-way audio, the DOGO can be employed in negotiations, and it can be equipped with non-lethal features like pepper spray and a dazzler to temporarily incapacitate aggressors.

9. MAARS

Developed by Qinetiq, the Modular Advanced Armed Robotic System (MAARS) is a UGV made for missions involving reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition, with the specific goal of improving the security of soldiers in forward locations.

One of the advantages of using MAARS is that it can keep a safe distance from enemy fire while carrying out security missions such as ambushes, hostage rescue, entering booby-trapped areas, using forced entry, or addressing IEDs or detainee riots.

Its capabilities include motion detectors, day and night cameras for driving and situational awareness, a microphone, and a loudspeaker. It can move at 7 mph and travel 800-1000 meters from its controller.

Among its features is being operational only when getting special coded instructions from its operator. Included in its weapons systems are a grenade launcher and machine gun as well as non-lethal laser dazzlers, audio deterrents, and less-than-lethal grenades.

10. SAFFiR

Created by researchers at Virginia Tech to aid Navy officers, SAFFiR (Shipboard Autonomous Firefighting Robot) can put out fires on naval ships. Naval vessels are in particular danger from fires due to their on-board ordnance and isolation at sea. A well-trained robot can act quickly in dangerous conditions to extinguish fires.

Standing at almost 6 feet tall, SAFiR can handle a fire hose as well as manipulate fire nozzles. Its range of motion surpasses human abilities, allowing it to maneuver in tight and complex spaces. It can also see right through thick smoke thanks to its infrared stereo vision sensors, a gas sensor, LIDAR, UV cameras, and a rotating laser.