The US Army showed robot dogs during the 250th anniversary parade in Washington on Saturday, in a future-focused segment showcasing its pursuit of technological superiority in autonomous and intelligent combat.
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Two models of autonomous robotic dogs – formally known as quadruped unmanned ground vehicles (Q-UGVs) – and their operators marched alongside traditional army equipment, passing before President Donald Trump in front of the White House.
The US Marine Corps also has robot dogs, using them in patrol and reconnaissance operations, especially for some of the dangerous missions, such as the detection of explosives.
But the US military is not the only player in this arena. China has invested heavily in the technology, with the People’s Liberation Army deploying similar Q-UGVs in a range of operations.
Unmanned autonomous systems are a key feature of modern warfare, and Q-UGVs have several unique advantages in certain applications compared to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and wheeled unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs).
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In an urban combat setting, UAVs lack a sustained ground presence and have difficulty navigating indoors or flying low between buildings. UGVs also struggle to navigate rubble, stairs or road barriers.