Riyadh: The US Army is actively testing AI-powered robot dogs equipped with advanced weaponry at a military base in the Middle East, according to Military.com. Recent images from the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS) show one of these robotic canines undergoing “rehearsals” at the Red Sands Integrated Experimentation Center in Saudi Arabia. The exercise, which took place in mid-September, is part of ongoing efforts to counter unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
The four-legged unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) is equipped with a turret-mounted rifle resembling an AR-15/M16 pattern weapon. This technology builds upon earlier trials conducted by the Army in August at Fort Drum, New York.
A spokesperson for US Army Central revealed that the armed robot dog was just one of several systems being evaluated during the exercise. It was tested alongside 15 counter-drone platforms, though its specific application remains undisclosed. Reports indicate that the weapon was fired at static ground targets, but no further details were provided.
The Pentagon has been exploring the integration of robotic canines into its operations for years, and the use of AI-driven systems on the battlefield has become a key focus. Various iterations of these robots have been equipped with different weapons, including systems from Onyx Industries and even anti-tank rocket launchers like the M72 LAW, which has been tested by the Marine Corps. Additionally, the Army is considering arming these mechanized canines with the new 6.8mm XM7 rifle, part of the Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) program designed to replace the M4 carbine.
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Other nations are also pursuing similar technologies. In May, the Chinese military showcased its own robotic dog equipped with an assault rifle during a training exercise in Cambodia. A Chinese soldier, Chen Wei, stated in a video released by state broadcaster CCTV that the robot dog could serve in urban combat scenarios, replacing human soldiers for reconnaissance and targeting missions.
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The advancement of autonomous military systems such as armed robot dogs is reshaping the landscape of modern warfare. The deployment of these technologies raises significant questions about the ethical implications and the future role of automation on the battlefield.
