Project SPUR: Robot Dog Becomes Sniper
Complex on the Q-UGV platform with the SPUR module
Combat robotic systems can be built according to different schemes and in different form factors. An interesting version of such a product was recently presented by the American companies Ghost Robotics and SWORD Defense Systems. Combining their designs, they created a lightweight four-legged combat vehicle with an integrated rifle.
Unusual exhibit
The American company Ghost Robotics has been dealing with quadrupeds for the past few years. robots-walkers and has already shown some success. Its robot Quadrupedal Unmanned Ground Vehicle (Q-UGV) last year passed all the necessary tests and even coped with experimental military operation in the US Air Force. Now this technique is used by the Tyndall airbase security unit (Florida).
SWORD Defense Systems, in turn, works in the field of small arms weapons... Rifles of different classes are developed and produced, incl. high-precision systems, as well as various additional tools. Recently, the issue of creating automated systems for small arms has been studied.
Recently, the annual US Army Association Conference was held in Washington. As part of this event, a traditional exhibition of new types of weapons and equipment was held, and the companies Ghost and SWORD showed their joint development there. On the basis of ready-made and new components, they created and built a reconnaissance and combat RTK on the Q-UGV platform with a Special Purpose Unmanned Rifle (SPUR) combat module.
The complex is designed to conduct reconnaissance and search for targets with their subsequent fire damage. Combat work is carried out by operator commands with a high degree of automation. In particular, the original combat module with a rifle independently performs all the necessary operations and provides the required level of security.
It should be noted that in the past, Ghost Robotics has repeatedly pointed out the possibility of using the Q-UGV RTK as a carrier of special systems and weapons. The current SPUR project clearly demonstrates this potential of the robot. However, the development companies are not yet ready to talk about the real prospects of such a sample. This is probably due to the fact that the robot for the exhibition is only a technology demonstrator, not intended for an early entry into the army.
General view of the combat module separately from the carrier
Four-legged platform
The SPUR is based on the Q-UGV robot dog from Ghost Robotics. It is a lightweight, small product with a rectangular body and an original four-legged chassis. The robot can move on level surfaces and slopes or overcome obstacles. It can be used to monitor the terrain or transport small loads.
The Q-UGV is fully electric and powered by a lithium-ion battery. High efficiency is declared. The average power consumption of the robot is 10 W; the central processor has only 1 watt. At the same time, the existing electric motors in the legs provide movement at a speed of more than 7 km / h. The power reserve exceeds 12 km.
The robot dog is equipped with an economical yet high-performance automated control system. She is responsible for the collection and processing of data and the subsequent generation of commands for the actuators. Various navigation and vision aids, as well as numerous sensors on the chassis elements, are connected to the control system.
Q-UGV robot at Tyndall AFB, March 2021.
Automation polls the sensors 2 thousand times per second and constantly monitors the position of the units and the robot as a whole. Taking into account these data, commands are generated for the drives, ensuring the stabilization of the position in space, movement, etc. The possibility of maintaining operability even in the event of failure of several sensors is declared. As part of the SPUR project, the control system probably received the functions of monitoring the operation of weapons.
The Q-UGV robot is controlled by a compact remote control, which can be performed on the basis of a smartphone. The operator receives a video signal from cameras and telemetry and can monitor the operation of the RTK in real time. Work is underway to integrate other remote control options. Two-way communication can be established directly or using additional communication means. In this case, the robot is capable of working at any distance from the operator.
Combat module
Combat module SPUR is a lightweight and compact product suitable for installation on various platforms. In the case of the Q-UGV, the module is placed directly on the "back" of the robot. In the future, the possibility of integration with other media is not excluded, incl. with other types of walking.
Robot and control panel
The module is made in a complex polygonal shape and has a futuristic appearance. The body has holes for the muzzle of the barrel and for the optics. On the left side there is a sleeve outlet that prevents the spent cartridges from falling onto the roof of the platform. The outer surfaces of the module are ceramic coated with Cerakote Gen II for protection against thermal imaging systems. The total weight of the product is less than 8 kg.
Inside the case is a SWORD rifle chambered for 6,5 Creedmoor. This is an original self-loading system with a short-stroke gas-operated automatic system. Food is supplied from a 10-round magazine. The possibility of effective fire at ranges up to 1200 m is declared. The rifle can be equipped with a silent firing device. At the request of the customer, it is possible to use a similar rifle chambered for 7,62x51 mm NATO.
Under the upper part of the body is a Teledyne thermal imaging camera with a resolution of 640x512 and an 18 ° field of view, as well as a 30x lens. Such optics can be replaced by other systems. There is also an automatic system that provides preparation for firing and reloading, as well as removing a cartridge and a control descent after firing. There are no separate aiming mechanisms. The module must aim by rotating and tilting the robot platform.
Mechanical sniper
In recent years, there has been significant progress in the field of "robot dogs". Such platforms successfully cope with a certain range of tasks and have already reached trial operation in the troops. In light of this, the emergence of combat RTKs was only a matter of time. A new project from Ghost Robotics and SWORD Defense Systems fills such a niche - and paves the way for other similar developments.
Service dog and robot dog. Each of them has its own advantages
The current Q-UGV / SPUR complex can be considered a promising technology demonstrator. With its help, development companies will be able to study the original architecture and draw conclusions. Perhaps such a RTK will also interest the army, which will lead to the start of new tests and experimental operation. At the same time, the successful experience of the Q-UGV project gives rise to optimistic forecasts.
The proposed and implemented architecture of the combat RTK is of great interest. It combines the high mobility of a modern walker and the combat characteristics of a remotely controlled combat module. A complex of this kind can find a place in the army and take on some of the combat and auxiliary tasks that cannot or is inexpedient to entrust to people.
Attention should be paid to the armament of the SPUR module, which distinguishes it from other modern DBMS. It is equipped not with a machine gun, but with a high-range rifle. At the same time, the design of the module and the chosen platform must ensure high accuracy of fire, and the silencer will provide stealth. Thus, the complex in the form of Q-UGV and SPUR becomes not just a scout and shooter, but a real robotic sniper with ample capabilities.
Unclear prospects
However, the project is still facing objective constraints that do not allow it to realize all the expected potential. The main difficulties are associated with the batteries of the four-legged platform. They are enough for only a few hours of operation, and the cruising range does not exceed 10-12 km, depending on the driving mode. The presence of a relatively heavy payload should increase power consumption.
It should also be noted that Q-UGV and SPUR in the presented form do not differ in particular vitality and stability. Both components of the RTK have no protection and can be destroyed by return fire. In addition, the performance of the complex depends on a two-way communication channel with the operator. Natural interference or electronic warfare of the enemy can, at a minimum, disrupt the work.
Ghost Roborics is looking for new, higher performance power supplies. With their help, in the future, it is planned to improve both the platform itself and the complexes based on it. Probably, measures will be taken to increase the stability of communication. It can be assumed that SWORD Defense Systems will develop its SPUR project in a similar way.
Thus, so far in the Q-UGV / SPUR project, it is only about demonstrating the main technologies and capabilities. However, the development companies plan to develop this project and then, having brought it to the required level, offer it to the armed forces. It is possible that the army will become interested and conduct its own tests. And this may be followed by trial operation and acceptance into service - as was recently the case with the basic model.
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