Wheeled Target Robots: Bringing realism to military training

Gaming enthusiasts are fond of realism in games. Combat games are of particular interest to aficionados around the world. Wheeled target robots by Marathon Targets, an Australian firm, go a step further in adding a dash of reality to a simulated combat scenario. Even the most skillful gaming buffs may miss the target against these robots. The programmable robots, in the T20 and T40 variants, have gone a notch above in terms of their sphere of application with the US army having decided to acquire these for training the soldiers. Now, this makes these robots as intriguing as it gets.

Wheeled robot targets

Description

The wheeled target robots simulate a real world combat scenario. The resemblance to humans helps replicate a real combat environment for training. As one of the robots is targeted, it sends signals to the other robots. These in turn run for cover as can be expected to happen in reality.

Specification

The T20 model is 65 cm in both length and width while the T40 model is 102 cm in length and 88 cm in width. Both the variants stand a good 180 cm in height. The T20 and T40 models weigh 180 kg and 235 kg respectively. While the T20 can touch the maximum speed of 7.8 mph, the same for T40 is 11.2 mph. The target robots can endure temperatures in the range of 0 to 50 degrees Celsius. Even heavy rain cannot throw a spanner in the works as these are waterproof. The smart targets can tread different kinds of terrains. These move about on slopes, gravel, grass, dirt and gravel with considerable ease. Once completely charged, the robots can cover a distance of as much as 24 km. The battery can last for a day for a stationary robot, for a mobile robot the same reduces to one third of that.

Features

The puncture proof tires with armored hub cap will have you in awe. In terms of mobility, a two wheeled T20 with a segway base and the four wheeled T40 offer a choice. The robot mannequins lower themselves to indicate a hit. The sensors in the robots allow these to detect shots. Artificial intelligence and advanced software control the movement and the reactions of the robots. Trainers control these robots through graphical interfaces provided for on computers. Control is established and exercised over wireless links.

USP

The USP of the product is undoubtedly the strength of the robots and the ability to simulate a real life scenario.

Pros

The mobile robots prove useful in helping sharpshooters hone their skills to face armed combatants under hostile conditions. Split second judgment, quick movement and immediate action apart from the quality and sophistication of weaponry decide the fate of such armed duels between forces deployed on either side.

Training for an ambush attack is also better managed with these robots. The robots being armor plated is all the more advantageous as the soldiers can work towards achieving even greater precision in their field.

Cons

The opponents are likely to open fire against the armed forces. The robots, as yet, have not been programmed for the purpose. Therefore, a divide between the real and the simulated scenario does remain.

Via: Uniquedaily