Military Robots Equip Our Armed Forces for the Future
The United States Military is embracing cutting-edge technology and military robots are at the frontline of those new developments. Military robots may deliver on the military’s goal of “no blood on first contact” by deploying before troops, therefore minimizing, and even potentially eliminating, casualties during first contact with the enemy. These military robots hold such promise that military technology may constitute one third of the U.S. Military in the next 10 to 15 years.
While embracing military technology ensures the U.S. can maintain its tactical advantage against its enemies, it also poses challenges. Reliable, user-friendly tools such as rugged laptops and mobile devices are needed so operators can control advanced robots in any situation or terrain. TOUGHBOOK offers solutions to these challenges so that military personnel are equipped to get the most out of their military technology.
Many Types of Defense Technology; One Solution
From advanced weapons systems to state-of-the-art vehicles such as planes, tanks, and submarines, the newest tech ensures our armed forces have advantages to assist them in successfully completing their mission.
What sets military robots apart from previous technological advancements is that they can be used autonomously, meaning they can be operated without an onboard pilot or crew. These unmanned vehicles allow units to complete potentially dangerous tasks with minimal or no risk to human life. And there are multiple types of unmanned vehicles that can be deployed depending on the situation:
- Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). UAVs, better known as drones, can be operated at high or low altitudes, making them versatile tools.
- Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs). UGVs are operated on the ground and come in a variety of sizes. This flexibility allows them to be used across varying terrain.
- Unmanned Marine Vehicles (UMVs). Designed to be used at sea, there are two types of UMVs: Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) and Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) which both contribute to continued naval dominance.
How Military Robots are Deployed
Much of the public discourse around unmanned military robots focuses on armed robots that can be used for targeted strikes against enemy forces. While this is important, there are a number of other roles for military robots that increase their value across a variety of military situations.
- Clearance Robots. UGVs and UMVs can be used to clear dangerous areas of bombs and mines, making sure that combat zones and waterways can again be occupied by civilians.
- Search and Rescue. Military robots can operate over difficult terrain, which is especially useful in disaster areas to identify and rescue survivors. Military units can also deploy search and rescue robots in combat to find missing or captured personnel.
- Surveillance and Recon. More information leads to more successful missions. Military robots are vital for collecting information on targets and enemy capabilities while humans monitor the situation from a safe distance.
- Firefighting. Robots can be deployed to fires and used to extinguish the blaze and investigate affected areas. This greatly reduces the danger to human firefighters and can help extinguish fires more quickly, minimizing injuries.
These are just some of the ways in which military robots are being deployed. As greater numbers of military robots are procured and new advancements are made, there are sure to be even more situations where they can be deployed to save lives and support the mission.
How TOUGHBOOK Computers Support New Military Technology
It’s clear that military robots will play important roles in the future of the U.S. military. The market for UAV systems alone has been projected to reach nearly $22 billion by 2026. But military robots don’t work on their own. While they are unmanned, they still require operators to control them and collect and analyze the data they provide. These operators require reliable and adaptable devices that connect them to the military robots they are controlling.
TOUGHBOOK offers an array of rugged computers designed for different military environments:
- Squad leaders can rely on the TOUGHBOOK G2 tablet. Durable and adaptable to any situation or terrain, this 10” rugged tablet provides the flexibility and durability required by squad leaders deployed in tough terrain.
- In-vehicle devices need to be durable enough to maintain performance even in the most challenging situations. The rugged TOUGHBOOK 40 laptop fits this bill, allowing operators to stay connected on the move.
- Tactical Operations Centers (TOCs) require devices capable of strong, long-range connectivity. As the situation on the ground changes, devices need to reliably convey what’s happening and they need to be adaptable. The TOUGHBOOK 33 2-in-1 PC and the TOUGHBOOK 55 rugged laptop provide incredible adaptability and maximum computing power.
Optional keyboards, responsive touchscreens with high visibility for use in the daylight, and a multitude of modular expansion packs (xPAKs) ensure that TOUGHBOOK devices offer everything operators need to successfully control their military robots.
Devices that Reliably Connect to Military Robots in the Field
If your operating device doesn’t connect to the robot when needed, operators will find themselves unable to communicate with their machines during critical situations. This can put people and information at risk. And, while being able to connect is important, it’s equally as important to be able to disconnect operating devices when needed.
TOUGHBOOK’s Enhanced Reliability and Connectivity
TOUGHBOOK reliability begins before devices are even deployed. The U.S. military needs to be cognizant of any potential security risks starting by ensuring that all TOUGHBOOK devices utilize a trusted and secure supply chain and are TAA compliant. All designs, builds, and tests of computers are done in Panasonic’s own production facilities. Panasonic is the only major manufacturer that supports a secure supply chain in this way.
Once devices are deployed into the field, TOUGHBOOK computers offer unmatched durability and are five times more reliable than business laptops. TOUGHBOOK rugged laptops are also equipped with durability enhancing features such as long-lasting, hot-swappable batteries, and components designed to withstand the challenges of operational environments:
- Weather
- Dirt
- Moisture
- Different altitudes and elevations
- Vibrations such as those experienced in military vehicles
- Drops
TOUGHBOOK computers are also designed to connect to command and to military robots whenever and wherever they need to while also being disconnected when required. Passthrough connectors for four antennas allow for wireless flexibility. Optional 4G and 5G modems as well as FirstNet (Band 14) and CBRS Private LTE (Band 48) support ensure the most reliable, on-demand connectivity.
TOUGHBOOK Equips the U.S. Military to Meet the Challenges of Tomorrow
Military technology and using military robots affect every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. TOUGHBOOK is always innovating with military solutions that support all types of military technology in any setting. By providing tools that are both reliable and user-friendly, TOUGHBOOK ensures the U.S. Military is ready to deploy new technologies fast and effectively, keeping our armed forces equipped to face whatever threats the future may hold.
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