India to have its own robotic army soon, DRDO developing humanoid fighter robots that can…, features and capabilities include…
New Delhi: Scientists at the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) are working on the development of a humanoid robot that can participate in frontline military missions. An official stated on Saturday, May 10 that the aim of this robot is to perform complex tasks in high-risk areas without endangering the lives of soldiers. This machine will be capable of performing complex tasks under direct human instructions. This robot is specifically designed to ensure the safety of soldiers in environments where the risks are high.
The work on this project has been going on for the past four years. Separate prototypes have been developed for the upper and lower body. During internal tests, some tasks have been successfully achieved. This humanoid robot will also be able to work in challenging terrains like forests.
Currently, this project is in its advanced development phase. The team’s focus is on enhancing the ability of the robot to understand and execute the operator’s instructions.
This system includes three main components:
Actuators: These generate motion similar to human muscles.
Sensors: These collect real-time data from the surrounding environment.
Control System: These analyze the collected information to guide the robot’s actions.
The biggest challenge is to ensure that the robot can perform the desired tasks smoothly. Mastery of balance, rapid data processing, and ground-level implementation is required for this. Kiron Akela, who is leading the design team, stated that researchers are focusing on these aspects. They are working towards completing this project by 2027.
Features and Capabilities of Robots
DRDO officials stated that bipedal (two-legged) and quadrupedal (four-legged) robots hold immense potential in areas such as defense and security, healthcare, domestic assistance, space exploration, and manufacturing. However, creating autonomous and efficient legged robots poses a significant technical challenge.
Scientists have reported that the upper part of this humanoid robot will be equipped with lightweight arms, featuring a spherical revolute joint configuration. It will have a total of 24 degrees of freedom – 7 in each arm, 4 in the gripper, and 2 in the head. This robot will be capable of performing complex autonomous tasks, such as gripping objects with closed-loop gripping. Manipulating objects, pushing, pulling, opening sliding doors, turning valves, and overcoming obstacles. Safely handling hazardous materials such as mines, explosives, and liquids. Both hands will work together collaboratively to ensure the safe handling of hazardous materials.
Advanced Technical Features
This robot will operate seamlessly every time and indoors or outdoors.
It will be equipped with proprioceptive and exteroceptive sensors that will provide the robot with information about its body and the surrounding environment.
Data Fusion Capability: The ability to integrate data from various sources.
Strategic Sensing: This will help the robot make decisions in complex situations.
Audio-visual Perception: This will provide the robot with the ability to see and hear.
Fall and Push Recovery: The ability to handle itself when it falls or is pushed.
Real-time Map Generation: The capability to create a map of the surrounding area.
Autonomous Navigation and Path Planning: Through Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM), this robot will be able to operate autonomously in complex and high-risk environments. Scientists believe that such advanced technology will help enhance soldier safety as well as make human life safer and more convenient.
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