Unitree Go1 robot dog 'fires' shoulder-launched missile during US Marine Corps proof-of-concept test
Vice reported on October 19 that the test is part of a new effort with the goal of moving towards forming combat formations consisting of both humans and robots in the future.
The test took place at the Twentynine Palms training range in California, USA, and was conducted by the Tactical Test Control team of the US Marine Corps Air and Ground Special Operations Training Command in September.
Members of the US Navy's Office of Naval Research were also present at the training range to observe the shoulder-launched missile being fired by a robotic dog during a proof-of-concept test.
Companies like Boston Dynamics and Ghost Robotics of the US are pioneering the use of robot dogs for both civilian and military applications. However, the robot dog that has just been tested is the Unitree Go1, a cheaper version made in China and sold online with a starting price of $2,700.
The M72 shoulder-fired rocket is typically fired this way.
According to a video clip recording the test, some US Marines attached an M72 shoulder-fired missile to a Unitree Go1 robot dog. The missile successfully fired based on the new launcher.
Little is known about the experiment, but The War Zone notes that it is the latest example of growing interest in the US and foreign militaries, including Russia and China, in the idea of using robot dogs on the battlefield.
Robot dogs are being trained to explore future Martian caves.
"Instead of having a soldier fire a shoulder-fired missile like the traditional way, we can install a remote firing mechanism that allows everything to be done at a safe distance for the person," said Lieutenant Aaron Safadi, who is in charge of integrating new technology for the Marine Corps.
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