US Marines Test Rifle-Equipped Robot Dogs for Special Ops Missions

The US Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) is testing rifle-equipped robot dogs. These machines are based on the Vision 60 quadrupedal unmanned ground vehicle (Q-UGV) developed by Ghost Robotics, are set to revolutionize the way special forces conduct missions in challenging environments.




The Vision 60 Q-UGV is a versatile, mid-sized ground robot designed to operate in a wide range of unstructured urban and natural environments. Weighing in at 112 pounds, this agile machine can reach speeds of up to 10 feet per second and cover distances of up to 6.2 miles on a single charge. With a maximum payload capacity of 22 pounds and the ability to operate at full power for three hours, the Vision 60 offers unparalleled flexibility and endurance.



What sets these robot dogs apart is their integration with Onyx Industries' SENTRY remote weapon system. MARSOC is currently evaluating two configurations: one equipped with a 7.62x39 mm caliber rifle and another with a 6.5 mm Creedmoor caliber rifle. This lethal combination of advanced robotics and firepower has the potential to provide special forces with a game-changing advantage in the field.

Below is a Onyx Industries' video announcing a project between Onyx Industries and AimLock, focusing on integrating remote lethality into Unmanned Air, Ground, and Maritime Systems. This collaboration is set to revolutionize the way for unmanned defense technology, enhancing precision and safety across all platforms.


According to Eric Shell, a business development manager at Onyx Industries, MARSOC has already employed these rifle-equipped robot dogs in "tunnel work" and "perimeter security" operations. While the exact locations of these deployments remain undisclosed, the implications are clear: the US military is actively exploring the use of autonomous weapons systems to enhance the capabilities of its special forces units.




The Vision 60 Q-UGV is powered by an Nvidia Xavier chip, which enables it to navigate complex environments using advanced AI and data analysis capabilities. This allows the robot to detect potential threats and adapt to new situations on the fly. Additionally, the Vision 60 can be assembled or disassembled in just 15 minutes, making it highly portable and easy to deploy in the field.


Recent tests conducted by the US Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate have highlighted the user-friendly nature of the Vision 60's controls and software. Participants in the tests were impressed by the drone's ability to recover after a fall and return to a neutral standing position. However, they also noted some challenges, such as the robot's difficulty in maintaining balance on slippery surfaces and the need for improved terrain-specific operational modes.


Despite these minor limitations, the potential applications for rifle-equipped robot dogs in special operations are vast. From reconnaissance and surveillance to breaching and clearing operations, these machines could provide invaluable support to human operators in high-risk situations. By keeping warfighters out of harm's way, the Vision 60 Q-UGV represents a significant step forward in the evolution of military technology.


As the US Marines continue to test and refine these rifle-wielding robot dogs, it is clear that the future of special operations is rapidly evolving. While MARSOC has stated that it is not currently fielding this capability, the ongoing evaluation of the Vision 60 Q-UGV and its potential payloads suggests that autonomous weapons systems will play an increasingly important role in the years to come. As the technology advances, it will be crucial for the military to carefully consider the ethical implications and potential risks associated with deploying these powerful tools in the field.