The Beast:
Like a well trained soldier, this automated and unmanned machine can both lead the way for the troops in risky conditions and strike against the enemy, at the blink of an eyelid, with deadly precision. MULE might not sound like a very serious name, but you would never really want to be on the wrong side of this robotic marvel being designed by the US army. MULE is much like the unmanned aircrafts that modern armies already have at their disposal. The only difference is that MULE is a lot more complex in construction and operates on ground. This makes it both unique and critical in a warzone.
The Machine:
The complex technology involved in building the MULE still have a long way to go before this concept vehicle can actually hit the Warfield. The cutting edge technologies employed in this Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) include a 3D LADAR, occupancy grid, multi-sensor fusion and telepresence firepower. The 3D LADAR technology is a Laser Radar that emits sharp beams of Laser in 360 degrees and catches the reflected waves to located objects. This is much like the navigation of submarines using SONAR, but is a lot faster and a lot more comprehensive. This gives the UGV an accurate picture of the world around it.
While the occupancy grid gives it a sense of balance and direction, the multi-sensor fusion enables it to distinguish between life and inanimate objects. Further technologies that help it differentiate the foes from friends and also help those in need are also being formulated. The UGV will be in 3 modes which are respectively designed for leading troops, searching and neutralizing landmines and locating enemy and using firepower to destroy them. But the makers clearly state that the use of firepower will be at disposal of operating humans and not the machine.
The Thrill:
Apart from being an amalgamation of the best technology science has to offer, the UGV will be an essential tool in battle. It can save millions of lives and can help soldiers deal with dangerous hostage situations and also terrorist attacks. But the technology has a long way to go before actually materializing into something substantial and real.
Via: Botmag
