Regularly, the images of quadripod robots agitate the media world. All the more so as we are now beginning to see some of these machines equipped with weapons. An anxiety-provoking representation that pop culture has seized upon.
Above: the “robot dog” from Ghost Robotics was presented equipped with a SWORD precision rifle.
We could write lines and lines about the “Terminator” fantasy in society, including how the media or even some political groups view military robotics.
This is of course due to the timeless success of the Hollywood saga initiated in the 80s, but also, in the more recent period, to the return of “killer robots” in pop culture in general, in a less anthropomorphic representation, and more… animal.
The most striking episode concerns, precisely, a famous episode of the anticipation series “Black Mirror” in 2017, entitled “Metalhead”, which featured abominable (yes yes) small quadruped robots chasing human beings. A concept taken up again by the “War of the Worlds” of Canal+ in 2019.
Coincidentally, the American company Boston Dynamics became famous at the same time for the antics of its now famous robot SPOT, which demonstrates the extent of its learning with each appearance. It didn’t take much for the general public to become alarmed about the future domination of humans by machines !
In another episode, in 2021, the French Army used SPOT during a demonstration of the use of robotics in combat. The small Boston Dynamics robot was there to illustrate its ability to do reconnaissance in a building, taking advantage of its exceptional agility. The images were immediately interpreted as the army’s intention to use it in combat, which was denied by the company !
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ad3i55AT_Y
So here we have a debate that excites, because it terrifies. But as deep as your fears of robots are, these devices require such a level of sophistication to evolve in the field that they are still very far from operational maturity. Even more so if it is a theater of war. Besides the mechanics, which are certainly impressive, there is above all the problem of evolution in a changing world. Yes, a quadcopter will be agile, but much more fragile than a tracked or even wheeled vehicle.
Various experiments have been carried out, mainly by the Americans, with MULE quadcopters, which have all come to the same conclusion. These technologies are still too fragile, too little enduring, too noisy… and the robots remain entirely dependent on humans.
The video game has a bit of a head start
Of course, the video game industry has not been spared and action games have very quickly adopted these machines, equipping them with a deadly arsenal. We are still in anticipation scenarios here, but there is perhaps an idea of what these machines will be capable of in one or two decades.
Preparatory drawing for Ghost Recon Breakpoint at Ubisoft
FUN FACT: Recently, the Battlefield 1942 beta took place, during which some players could see the erratic behavior of some of these robotic quadcopters. Unintentionally, this may be an accurate reproduction of reality! For now.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7vEUDrmwQos
