US Navy Equips Robots with Non-Lethal Weapons

08.02.2012 US Navy started testing of unmanned vehicles armed with non-lethal weapons, reports Defense Aerospace. Major objective of trials is to verify the possibility of use such arms by robots during patrols and tactical security missions. The military evaluate effectiveness of those weapons as well.

The test takes place at US military base Fort Eustis, VA. Involved assets are small cutters and inflatable boats equipped with acoustic cannons, dazzlers, and light-and-noise munitions. Non-lethal weapons are controlled by onboard computer reacting on predetermined external effects. Unmanned vehicles like, for one, Sea Fox rigid inflatable boat may operate both in automatic and semi-automatic modes.

By now, naval experts have carried out somewhat 100 experiments with unmanned vehicles, collecting data on their location and movements and questioning participants. Final report will be submitted to US Navy command and considered when planning procurement of robot boats equipped with non-lethal weapons.