US Marines Test AI-Enabled Rifle-Armed Robot Dogs

By Olawale Abaire, Warrior Maven Editorial Fellow

The US Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) is currently conducting trials on a new breed of 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, colloquially referred to as robotic dogs, which are outfitted with AI-powered rifles. The Vision 60 UGVs are armed with gun systems supplied by defense technology firm Onyx Industries. These systems are 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 who could be situated anywhere globally.

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 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, which aids in scanning individuals, vehicles, and drones.

The integration of AI-enabled weapons systems into UGVs is not a novel concept for the military. 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 deployment of these robotic dogs can enhance soldier safety as they can be utilized for highly hazardous operations. These advanced platforms can navigate tight spaces such as tunnels and trenches, unlike other military ground vehicles. They can also be employed to clear mined or booby-trapped areas, reducing the risk to soldiers.