
The USMC is taking robotic dogs to the next level with AI-powered robots. These dogs are designed to be used for explosive detection and other missions.
The robots are equipped with advanced sensors and can detect a wide range of threats, including explosives, narcotics, and other hazardous materials.
The USMC is evaluating the effectiveness of these robots in real-world scenarios.
US Marines Test Robot
The US Marines have been testing robot dogs, also known as quadrupedal unmanned ground vehicles (Q-UGVs), which are equipped with various types of armaments.
These robot dogs are being tested for their potential to support soldiers in various tasks, including engagements with armored vehicles.
The Marines have tested a robot dog with a rocket launcher, specifically the M72 Light Anti-tank Weapon (LAW), which is a lightweight and user-friendly launcher that can handle lighter armored vehicles and other targets.
The robot dog was used to demonstrate the potential of remote-controlled armaments, allowing a soldier to stay behind cover and control the weapon system remotely.
Readers also liked: English Bulldog Marines
The US Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) has also been testing robotic dogs with AI-enabled rifles, which are equipped with Onyx's SENTRY remote weapon system (RWS).
This system allows for autonomous detection and tracking of targets, but requires human operator approval before engaging.
The Vision 60 quadrupedal UGV, used by MARSOC, is a mid-sized, high-endurance, agile, and durable all-weather ground drone that can be outfitted with various types of armaments.
The robot dog's AI-enabled rifle is designed to work in conjunction with a human operator, providing enhanced precision and safety in combat situations.
The integration of AI-enabled weapons systems into Q-UGVs is not a new concept, but MARSOC's recent tests represent a significant progression in this area.
The deployment of these robotic dogs can enhance soldier safety, as they can be used for highly hazardous operations and can navigate tight spaces such as tunnels and trenches.
The US Army was the first to consider arming its Vision 60 Q-UGVs with the Next-Generation Squad Weapon, demonstrating the potential of this technology to enhance military capabilities.
Here's a list of the different types of armaments used by the US Marines in their robot dog tests:
- M72 Light Anti-tank Weapon (LAW)
- Onyx's SENTRY remote weapon system (RWS) with AI-enabled rifles
- RPG-26
These armaments are being tested on various types of robot dogs, including the Ghost Robotics' Vision 60 quadrupedal UGV and the Unitree quadruped robotic dog.
Marines Test Fire Robot
The Marines have been testing out some pretty cool (and intimidating) robot technology. They've taken a robot dog, armed it with a rocket launcher, and shown off its capabilities at the Army 2022 defense expo. The robot dog, called the M-81, is a quadrupedal unmanned ground vehicle (Q-UGV) that's designed to support soldiers in various tasks.
The M-81 is equipped with a 6.5mm Creedmoor assault rifle, which is a significant upgrade from the commercially available types like the Unitree Go1. This robot dog is a much more advanced system with a higher degree of autonomy than its commercial counterparts.
The Marines aren't the only ones experimenting with robot dogs. China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) has also demonstrated armed robot dogs using different underlying quadrupedal designs. This trend is becoming increasingly popular among military forces around the world.
Here's a breakdown of the different types of robot dogs being tested:
- M-81: armed with a 6.5mm Creedmoor assault rifle and a rocket launcher
- Ghost Robotics' Q-UGV: armed with a 6.5mm Creedmoor assault rifle
- Onyx's SENTRY remote weapons system: mounted on Ghost Robotics' Vision 60 quadruped
These robot dogs are being tested for their ability to support soldiers in various tasks, including engagements with armored vehicles. They're also designed to reduce human casualties during ground offensives. The integration of AI-enabled weapons systems into UGVs is a significant advancement in military technology, and it's likely to become a common feature in the arsenals of American and foreign security forces.
Marsoc Tests Robotic Dogs
The US Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) has been testing robotic dogs, colloquially referred to as robotic canines, engineered by Ghost Robotics. These AI-armed, four-legged automatons, known as Vision 60 quadrupedal Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs), represent a significant leap in military technology.
The MARSOC has recently been testing these UGVs, which are outfitted with AI-powered rifles. The Vision 60 UGVs are armed with gun systems supplied by defense technology firm Onyx Industries.
The rifle system is built upon Onyx's SENTRY remote weapon system (RWS), which incorporates an AI-driven digital imaging system capable of autonomously detecting and tracking humans, drones, or vehicles, and reporting potential targets to a remote human operator.
The system ensures that a human operator remains in control of firing decisions, and it is incapable of autonomous firing. The rifle utilizes an AI-assisted Digital Imaging System designed to autonomously identify targets, but it requires human operator approval before it can engage.
The MARSOC is testing two robotic dogs armed with Onyx's SENTRY remote weapons system, one chambered in 7.62x39mm caliber and the other in 6.5mm Creedmoor caliber.
Here are the robotic dogs being tested by MARSOC:
with Rocket Launcher

The US Marine Corps has been testing robotic dogs with rocket launchers, and it's definitely a unique sight to behold. They tested a robot-dog armed with an RPG-26 at the Army 2022 defense expo.
The robot used by the Marines was a Ghost Robotics’ quadrupedal unmanned ground vehicle (Q-UGV), which is a much more advanced and capable system than commercially available types like the Unitree Go1. This system has a higher degree of autonomy and is a much more serious piece of technology.
They also used a robot that resembles the Unitree quadruped robotic dog, which retails for about $5,000. However, this robot was too light, too fragile, and lacked battery endurance for real military operations.
The purpose of the test was to show how a small robot could support a soldier in a number of tasks, including engagements with armored vehicles. The robot was equipped with a M72 Light Anti-tank Weapon (LAW) rocket launcher, which is a very lightweight, user-friendly, and disposable launcher that's been in service since 1963.
The M72 rocket launcher is powerful enough to handle lighter armored vehicles and other targets, but it's not powerful enough to go up against a main battle tank. It's also very easy to fire, with a simple setup process that can be done remotely.
The Marines are looking to operationalize these types of systems, and it's clear that they're taking note of the trends in armed robot dogs.
AI-Enabled Robot
The AI-enabled robot being tested by MARSOC is quite impressive. It's a robotic dog, specifically the Vision 60 quadrupedal Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), designed by Ghost Robotics.
These robots are equipped with AI-powered rifles, which are supplied by defense technology firm Onyx Industries. The rifles are built upon Onyx's SENTRY remote weapon system (RWS), which incorporates an AI-driven digital imaging system.
The system can autonomously detect and track humans, drones, or vehicles, and report potential targets to a remote human operator. However, a human operator must remain in control of firing decisions, and the system is incapable of autonomous firing.
The rifle is also fitted with an X360 Pan/Tilt Gimbal stack, providing electro-optical/infrared capabilities, and a feature referred to by the company as a Remote Actuated Weapon. This feature aids in scanning individuals, vehicles, and drones.
The robotic dogs can be used for highly hazardous operations, such as clearing mined or booby-trapped areas, reducing the risk to soldiers. They can also navigate tight spaces like tunnels and trenches, unlike other military ground vehicles.
The AI-enabled robot is not a new concept for the military, as the US Army was the first to announce its intention to equip its Vision 60 Q-UGVs with the Next-Generation Squad Weapon. However, MARSOC's recent tests represent a significant progression in this area.
The robotic dogs are equipped with different caliber rifles, including one chambered in 7.62x39mm and the other in 6.5mm Creedmoor. They are also compatible with standard-size magazines and drums.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do dog handlers in the Marines do?
Marine dog handlers are trained to work with military dogs to detect and locate threats, missing personnel, and contraband in various environments. They use their canine partners to conduct searches, track targets, and provide security in support of Marine Corps operations.
What size is the able target?
The "Able" target is 4 feet wide and 6 feet tall.
How did the Marines earn the name Devil Dogs?
The Marines earned the nickname "Devil Dogs" from German reports during World War I, specifically after a battle at Belleau Wood where they wore gas masks to protect against mustard gas. This courageous and unconventional tactic earned them a lasting reputation.
Why is a bulldog the Marines mascot?
The USMC's "Devil Dog" nickname originated from World War I, when the Marines earned it due to their ferocious fighting spirit, inspired by a mythological Bavarian beast. This nickname has since become synonymous with the Marine Corps, but bulldogs aren't actually the official mascot.
Sources
- https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/05/robot-dogs-armed-with-ai-targeting-rifles-undergo-us-marines-special-ops-evaluation/
- https://www.twz.com/marines-test-fire-robot-dog-armed-with-rocket-launcher
- https://interestingengineering.com/military/us-marine-rifle-fitted-robot-dogs
- https://warriormaven.com/land/us-marines-test-ai-enabled-rifle-armed-robot-dogs
- https://newatlas.com/military/us-marines-rocket-launcher-robot-dog/
Featured Images: pexels.com