12 Kolkata: Army robots—Multi Utility Legged Equipment or MULE—will for the first time march along the three armed-force units at the 50-minute-long Republic Day parade on Red Road.
The contingent of mechanical beasts, which were seen trotting down Red Road with precision during a rehearsal, will showcase cutting-edge robotics technology, complete with advanced thermal imaging sensors and electro-optical systems. The MULE can perform tasks like, surveillance and logistics support, and even take on combat roles with small arms. "The robots work as force multipliers, boosting operational effectiveness while reducing dangers to personnel in challenging combat zones. Each can transport loads of up to 12 kg. The units also prove valuable as delivering aid during catastrophes in difficult terrain. The MULE system demonstrates considerable benefits when compared to conventional wheeled or tracked robots," said an Eastern Command officer. "They can serve multiple critical functions, like securing boundaries, safeguarding valuable assets and managing dangerous substances. Their most significant contribution lies in executing perilous tasks, such as defusing explosives and collecting vital data, whilst ensuring human personnel remain safely away from danger zones, thereby preserving numerous lives."
Indian Army inducted 100 MULE in June last year and they were in action during the Army Day parade in Pune on Jan 15. Each weighing 51 kg, the dust- and waterproof robots are developed by Delhi-based AeroArc, a subsidiary of Arc Ventures. Each unit can be fitted with advanced equipment, comprising nocturnal vision systems, heat-sensing cameras, unmanned aerial vehicles and a multi-functional mechanical arm.