War has forever been the trailing indicator behind technology throughout history. The latest gadget to emerge in the war zone will likely catch some by surprise: robot canines. What was once the longtime domain of science fiction is now becoming a reality, with such robots being taken out with troops on training missions, field deployments, and even in specific applications as weapons. They’re changing the way forces are waging clandestine warfare today.
Historically, actual canines have been loyal friends during times of war. They have detected bombs, located the injured, and provided moments of friendship and comfort to soldiers amidst heinous situations. They have helped save untold lives through their perception and sense of smell.
But living organisms do have limitations. Extreme weather, extreme temperature, toxic surroundings, and minefields can deplete them. Mechanical substitutes eliminate many of these restrictions, providing continuous service, extended life, and capabilities that armies of animals or men simply cannot provide.
One of the more useful uses is carrying gear. Pilots will deploy on a mission with packs weighing over 60 pounds. All that heavy stuff—water, med kit, bullets—can be dragged by robot dogs over bad terrain, reserving human strength for the mission.
Scouting is also one of their strong suits. Equipped with cameras, infrared sensors, and live video, robotic dogs can infiltrate a building, scout enemy lines, or detect ambushes without risking a human life. They’ve already done mine-clearing and tactical resupply missions, and in the process have taken ground too hostile for men to hold.
The arming of them has caused the most controversy. The idea of weapon systems that are remotely controlled has been experimented with by various armies, with the human identifying the targets and the robot taking actions.
Tests indicated that they may be especially valuable in small areas like tunnels or in areas that are too hazardous for regular troops. Platforms like the Vision 60 were found to be viable for mobility and accuracy in tests, forecasting their eventual application.
Artificial intelligence is opening its eyes even wider yet. Software developers are programming programs that make robots see danger, shield against drones, and converse with other equipment in real-time. Man is still making the life-and-death choices, but the speed of success raises some uncomfortable questions: if more and more work is being performed by machines, who is blamed for errors?
Leaders are adamant that those systems are intended to augment human judgment, not substitute for it. But still the moral questions: how to minimize collateral damage, adhere to the laws of war, and have acceptable levels of autonomy. No global norm yet, so controversies over control and responsibility are only just starting.
In the future, more complex things will be done by robots. Other than supply drops and scouting, in the future, machines will have the capability to manage motion, dynamically adapt plans, and serve as force multipliers to amplify human capabilities. The idea is not to substitute soldiers but to equip them with safer, intelligent weapons.
The age of the robot dog is probably upon us. They are toiling unseen to reimagine how militaries fight, resupply, and minimize risk, compelling one to reconsider how man and machine live together in combat. Before long, these machines will be anything but novel—they will be part of the accepted reality of contemporary military operations.