(a) whether the Defence Research and Development Organisation has undertaken
a project to develop robot soldiers to beef up country’s unmanned fighting
capabilities in difficult warfare zones;
(b) if so, the details of the project indicating the time schedule set for its
implementation, estimated total cost and capabilities of such robotic soldiers; and
(c) the names of the countries which are already using robot soldiers?
MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI A.K. ANTONY)
(a) & (b): No, Madam. However, Defence Research and Development Organisation
(DRDO) has developed Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) – ‘Daksha’, which is an automated
mobile platform for multi-purpose payloads. It is an electrically powered state-of-the-
art Robot capable of being remotely controlled over a distance of 500 metres line-of-
sight and can be utilised continuously for 3 hours before recharge. It has stair climbing
capability and can be used primarily for handling Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
(c): No country, as such, is using robot soldiers.