A military robot is an automated machine with some humanoid functions used in the military field. From supply transport to search and exploration and offensive operations, military robots have a wide range of applications.
Classification of military robots
① Ground military robots
Ground robots mainly refer to intelligent or remotely controlled wheeled and tracked vehicles. Ground military robots can be further divided into autonomous vehicles and semi-autonomous vehicles. Autonomous vehicles rely on their own intelligence to navigate autonomously, avoid obstacles, and independently complete various combat missions; semi-autonomous vehicles can operate autonomously under human supervision, and operators can remotely intervene when encountering difficulties.
② Military drones
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), often referred to as aerial robots, represent the fastest-growing family of military robots. Since the advent of the first autopilot in 1913, there have been over 300 basic types of UAVs, with more than 40 types available on the global market. The United States has participated in almost every major war in the world. Due to its advanced science and technology and strong national power, the development of UAVs worldwide has been largely driven by the United States for over 80 years. The United States is one of the earliest countries to research UAVs, and today, it ranks first in the world in terms of both technological level and the variety and quantity of UAVs.
Looking back at the history of drone development, it can be said that modern warfare is the driving force behind drone development, and the development of high technology is the foundation for its continuous progress.
③ Underwater military robots
Underwater robots are divided into two main categories: manned robots and unmanned robots. Manned submersibles are maneuverable and can handle complex problems, but human lives may be at risk, and they are expensive.
Unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), also known as underwater robots, are a type of underwater robot, with "Koff" being one example. Suitable for long-duration, large-scale exploration missions, underwater robots have seen significant development in the past 20 years, with applications ranging from military to civilian use. With further exploration of the ocean, they will undoubtedly have even wider applications in the 21st century. Based on the different communication methods between the UUV and surface support equipment (mother ship or platform), underwater robots can be divided into two main categories: tethered underwater robots, commonly called remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and untethered underwater robots, commonly called autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Tethered robots are all remotely operated and, based on their movement methods, are divided into towed, (seabed) mobile, and floating (self-propelled) types. Untethered underwater robots are only autonomous and currently only have one movement method: observation-type floating, but their future is bright.
④ Space military robots
A space robot is a low-cost, lightweight, remotely controlled robot capable of navigating and flying in the atmosphere of a planet. To achieve this, it must overcome numerous challenges, such as the ability to move and navigate autonomously in a constantly changing three-dimensional environment; the inability to remain stationary; the ability to determine its position and status in space in real time; the ability to control its vertical movement; and the ability to predict and plan its interplanetary flight path.
