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America's Robot Army

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the the-few-the-proud-the-computational dept.

Popular Mechanics explores the increasing level of reliance the US military has when it comes to robotic assistance. In the last few years, robot drones have reached an all-new level of sophistication, with several models already deployed in the field. Now, the next generation of robot helpers is nearing the end of its test phase. PM offers up a preview of what we could expect to see in the field within the next five years. "The MULE (Multifunction Utility/Logistics and Equipment) is roughly the size of a Humvee, but it has a trick worthy of monster truck rallies. Each of its six wheels is mounted on an articulated leg, allowing the robot to clamber up obstacles that other cars would simply bump against ... Barely a year old, the prototype is a product of the Army's Unmanned Ground Vehicle program, which began in 2001. It has yet to fire a single bullet or missile, or even be fitted with a weapon. Here at the test track it's loaded down with rucksacks and boxes, two squads' worth of equipment."

2 of 139 comments (clear)

  1. Re:More tanks by peragrin · · Score: 5, Insightful

    anti-guerilla strategy? that's easy don't be an ass, and don't invade other countries on false intel, with the misguided hope that they will think you are saviors just because you deposed their idiot leader.

    I highly doubt if that will happen though.

    To truly fight guerilla you must fight them like you fight pirates. You take away the economic/political incentive for it to begin with.

    --
    i thought once I was found, but it was only a dream.
  2. They should consider low tech options. by Digestromath · · Score: 5, Insightful
    Millions of dollars in developing advanced robotic military hardware. Individual unit prices no doubt in the 6 or 7 figure range. High training costs for operating personnel, maintenance, some sort of expensive high tech ammunition and long tech support calls.

    All of it to be ultimately undone by a hundred dollars worth of high explosive, some household shrapnel and a triggering device operated by a guy living a cave who MAY have spent a total of three weeks at the local militant training camp.

    We are living in the age of guerilla warfare. It's no longer about the size of your Deathstar. Its about how many plucky farm kids you can convince to join the cause.

    I guess there new moto could be "Army of 00000001"