Japanese Forces Receive 'VISION 60' Robot Dogs

Defense News Japan :-  Japan's Ground Self-Defense Forces (GSDF) have started a plan to buy and test a range of unmanned systems. This move is part of a bigger effort to figure out how these systems can be used in ground forces.

In this process, the Japanese military has purchased the VISION 60. It's a medium-sized unmanned ground drone that can work for long periods and is useful in both city and natural environments. It has applications in defense and homeland security.

The VISION 60, also called the "robot dog," is a semi-autonomous robot with four legs. It's made by Ghost Robotics. This robot can handle tough conditions. It can carry up to 31 pounds and can go as fast as 6.71 miles per hour. It can operate within a range of 10 kilometers and can run for three hours continuously.

One of its key features is its ability to move around easily. It can navigate through different kinds of terrain like rough ground, sand, hills, and even climb stairs. Its design allows it to walk, run, crawl, climb, and even swim, making it adaptable to various environments.

It's worth noting that similar robotic dogs have been used by the United States Air Force since March 2022. They are used for tasks like security and patrolling at military bases.

Key specifications of the VISION 60 Robot Dog by Ghost Robotics .

Mobility:

• Speed: Achieves a swift 1 meter per second (3.3 feet per second) standard walking speed.
• Endurance: Covers 6.8 to 12.8 kilometers (4.2 to 8 miles) per charge powered by a Lithium-ion battery.
• Terrain Handling: Boasts an IP67 rating, mastering various terrains including stairs, uneven ground, water, and dust.
• Agility: Displays high dexterity for seamless navigation through complex environments.
• Self-Recovery: Equipped to self-right from most immobilized situations.

Sensors:

• 360° Awareness: Features high-bandwidth 16-channel integrated RGB and depth sensors for comprehensive situational awareness.
• Control and Processing:
• Control Core: Employs a computationally efficient ARM microcontroller ensuring secure and efficient operation.
• Autonomy Modes: Supports a range of autonomy modes for both pre-programmed and real-time control.
• Processing Power: Harnesses the NVIDIA Xavier NX with 32GB RAM, facilitating robust on-board processing for AI and autonomy applications.
• Communication: Integrates Wi-Fi, 4G/LTE connectivity, and Gigabit Ethernet switch for flexible communication options.

Other Features:

• Open Architecture: Facilitates customization and seamless integration of additional sensors and payloads.
• Modular Design: Features quick-swappable sub-assemblies (legs, battery, compute module) for effortless field repairs.
• Software Support: Compatible with ROS (Robot Operating System) and ROS2 for streamlined development and integration.

Applications:

• Defense and Security: Versatile applications in patrolling, reconnaissance, and hazardous material inspection.
• Homeland Security: Ideal for border patrol and perimeter security operations.
• Enterprise Applications: Vital support in inspection, search and rescue missions in remote or hazardous areas.