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Marine Corps Wants a Throwable Robot

Posted by samzenpus on from the goblin-bomb-dispenser dept.

coondoggie writes "The US Marine Corps has a request — build and rapidly deploy more 10lb-or-under robots its personnel can throw into dangerous situations that can quickly gather information without endangering Marines. The throwable robot is part of a family of robots that would range from the 10lb version to one that would act as a central controlling device and weigh close to 300lbs. Marine commanders are demanding ever lighter robots so that troops don't have to offload critical equipment from their rucksacks to accommodate them."

3 of 270 comments (clear)

  1. As a former Active Duty Marine, by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

    I would prefer a *reliable* device that added *as little as possible* to the 70lbs I already carry, that "just works," even after I throw it, drop it, sit on it in sand and gets shot twice. If it still does the job, I'll buy the damn thing myself...

    unfortunately, a lot of this tech doesn't work that well, that's why k-bars and bayonets are still issued.

    Also, I agree that robots should be carrying gear so I can kick some $given_enemy butt.

    CAPTCHA: "uncouth" coincidence?

  2. They already have throwable robots. by Animats · · Score: 4, Informative

    There are already throwable robots. The iRobot PackBot is sometimes thrown through a window to get a look inside a house. The USMC would like something a bit smaller, but the concept already works.

    Previous urban tactics were to throw in a grenade or demolish houses with artillery and tanks, so there's been some progress.

  3. It Exists! - The Scout from Recon Robotics by Amadablam · · Score: 5, Informative

    (Disclaimer: I'm not affiliated with this company, but I know somebody who is. I should talk to him about a "complimentary robot for referrals" program.) http://reconrobotics.com/ Recon Robotics makes a product called the Scout that is designed specifically for this purpose. Each robot weighs only 1.2 pounds, is deployable and easily controllable by a single soldier, and is relatively inexpensive compared to other combat-ready robot technologies. I know I want one. ;)