Semi-autonomous robot could offer support to foot soldiers

According to a statement, the LS3 prototype recently underwent its first outdoor exercise, demonstrating the ability to follow a person using sensors that allow the robot to distinguish between trees, rocks, terrain obstacles and people.

Over the course of the next 18 months, DARPA plans to complete the development and refine key capabilities to ensure LS3 is able to support foot soldiers.

Features to be tested and validated are said to include the ability to carry 400lb (180kg) on a 20-mile trek in 24 hours without being refuelled and the refinement of LS3’s vision sensors to track a specific individual or object, observe obstacles in its path and autonomously make course corrections as needed.

Also planned is the addition of hearing technology, enabling squad members to speak commands to LS3 such as ‘stop’, ‘sit’ or ‘come here’. The robot also serves as a mobile auxiliary power source, enabling troops to recharge batteries for radios and handheld devices while on patrol.