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A (military) man's best friend may just be a "Pack Mule" from the future. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has demonstrated a pair of robotic "pack mule" prototypes for use by the United States Marine Corps.
After initial tests earlier this year the robotic platforms have undergone rigorous testing and modifications resulting in " reduced noise, new gaits, and improved perception", according to a DARPA new release.
The robotic platforms, named Legged Squad Support System (LS3) are designed to demonstrate the effectiveness of legged robots providing transport for dismounted soldiers in the field of battle or on patrols. LS3 could one day carry backup gear, food supplies or even wounded soldiers while autonomously following live troops and interpreting verbal and visual commands.
Weve refined the LS3 platform and have begun field testing against requirements of the Marine Corps, said Army Lt. Col. Joe Hitt, DARPA program manager. The vision for LS3 is to combine the capabilities of a pack mule with the intelligence of a trained animal.
"In July, DARPA and the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory (MCWL) began a 2-year platform-refinement test cycle with the first DARPA/MCWL-hosted test planned for December 2012 on a military base. Testing will continue approximately every quarter at military bases across the country, culminating in a Marine Corps Advanced Warfighting Experiment wherein the LS3 will be embedded with a squad for an operational exercise.
Augmenting small dismounted units with autonomous capabilities can be a potent force multiplier, said Brig. Gen. Mark R. Wise, commanding general, MCWL. The concerted efforts being made to better define autonomous robotic capabilities that help (lighten the load) provide greater mobility and agility to dismounted Marine and U.S. Army forces across the battle space, further demonstrate what can be achieved through partnering with DARPA and other DoD entities in support of the Warfighter.
