As part of a tactical training exercise in September, U.S. Marines successfully jerry-rigged a rocket launcher to a "robotic goat" to test the viability of such a setup. Conducted on September 9 (2023), the rocket-propelled grenade launcher (RPG) "robotic goat" test was part of a larger suit of autonomous system tests, but this one stood out for its novelty.
Rocket carrying robo-goat
The rocket launcher encumbered quadrupedal robot was a Chinese-made "Unitree Go1," which is widely commercially available online and relatively cheap. While usually referred to as a "robotic dog," this quadrupedal robot was called a "robotic goat" for unclear reasons. Similar terminology was also adopted by the Turkish armed forces, who tested a similar robot back in July. It was augmented with an M72 Light Anti-tank Weapon (or LAW) RPG. This weapon is a NATO standard armament widely used by many armed forces.
The M72 LAW has been in service with the US forces since 1963. Weighing only 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg), the weapon is light, inexpensive enough to discard after firing, and extremely easy to use. The launcher's rockets have a maximum range of 3,280 feet (roughly 1 km) but are most effective when fired at a distance of 650 feet (198 meters).
For destroying armored vehicles, like tanks, getting this close is, to put it mildly, a very dangerous affair. Operator risk is even more pronounced when fighting in open fields, but the M72 launcher was explicitly designed for use in urban combat, where density and obstructions are common. Due to its simplicity, disposability, and ability to fire at close range, it was deemed an ideal weapon to test on a remotely operated robot like the "Unitree Go1."
“Instead of having a Marine handle the weapon system, manipulate the safeties, we could put a remote trigger mechanism on it that allowed it to all be done remotely,” said Aaron Safadi, an officer of the Tactical Training and Exercise Control group. “The Marine could be behind cover and concealment, the weapon system could go forward, and the Marine could manipulate the safeties from a safe place while allowing that weapon system to get closer to its target," he added.
To mount the M72 on the "robot goat," the robot was first equipped with a metal box containing firing controls and safety switches on its back. Once the RPG has been fired, the box can be opened, the used launcher discarded, and a new M72 LAW installed. This system is handy in combat situations.
Keeping humans safe
During operation, the "robot goat" can be controlled using a video-game-like controller by an operator. Using this setup, the robot can scout ahead using its camera "eyes" to assess the situation. Once the robot is in position, its rocket can be fired using the controller, and if the robot survives the encounter, it can loiter to confirm a kill before either moving on or returning to base to be rearmed.
Such capabilities could prove invaluable for armed forces worldwide to reduce the risk of human loss when going up against heavily armed targets like tanks. It would likely also provide some interesting tactical options for urban warfare and subterranean engagements in places like underground tunnels and facilities.
Originally published on Interesting Engineering : Original article