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The United States military has a long record of being at the forefront of humankind’s technological achievements. For example, it was the U.S. Navy in the 1940s, led by Admiral Rickover, who pioneered the use of nuclear power as a propulsion device, and that eventually led to nuclear power plants for civilian use. 

Today, the military again leads the charge into the future with their innovations in robotics and their many applications across the entire infrastructure of the organization. According to National Defense Magazine, robotics funding for the military increased from $17 million in 2015 to $379 million in 2021. 

That number is only increasing as robots play an ever more important role across the entire field of military operations. 

Of course, more advanced military robotics programs always mean a greater need for people to work with those robots, and the military continues to be a source of robotics training for soldiers who can then take their education on to a fulfilling career in manufacturing after discharge. 

While the primary role of robots in the military continues to be support and behind the scenes, building, sanding and maintaining equipment and machinery, there are some really exciting developments being made with robots that have more active roles. 

Below, we will take a look at 3 of the most exciting robots coming to the military in the near future. 

The Robobee Military Robot

Developed by Harvard’s Microbotics Laboratory, the Robobee is a miniscule flying robot that’s capable of hovering for short periods of time and capable of being recharged via a power cable. 

Measuring only about half the size of a paperclip, this tiny robot uses artificial muscles that contract for flight when a voltage is applied. Certain models are even able to seamlessly transition from flight to swimming, and it can attach to surfaces using static electricity. 

The potential for future reconnaissance applications is undeniable, and the Robobee is an important step towards miniaturizing robotics technology for stealth. 

The non-military potential is also substantial, with its creators also talking about possible uses for crop pollination. 

The DOGO Military Robot

The DOGO is a compact anti-terrorism robot developed by General Robotics to be a companion to soldiers in combat situations. 

The robot moves on a set of heavy-duty treads for all-terrain traversal and only weighs 26 pounds so it can be easily carried into a mission. There are eight cameras on the DOGO that provide a full 360-degree view of its surroundings, and it comes armed with a Glock 26 pistol. However, the armament can be swapped out for non-lethal alternatives like pepper spray or a dazzler that can temporarily blind aggressors from up to 10 meters away. 

The DOGO is also equipped with two way audio capabilities for the purpose of negotiation, making it an incredible ally for dangerous situations involving terrorists. 

This robot is a great example of how robotics technology can be used to keep people safe from harm. 

The SAFFiR Military Robot

Created by engineering students at Virginia Tech, SAFFiR (Shipboard Autonomous Firefighting Robot) has been under development for some years now, constantly improving its capabilities while being made ready for production and deployment. 

Essentially, SAFFiR is a firefighting robot that is set to help keep sailors safe aboard ships where a blazing fire can present incredible danger. Naval vessels are particularly vulnerable to fires because of the ordinance they have on board and the isolation they face when out at sea. 

SAFFiR looks to serve as the ultimate fire safety tool aboard those naval vessels. Its 5’10” frame is equipped with infrared stereo vision sensors and a rotating laser that allows it to see through thick smoke. Its appendages are equipped with claw-like gripping mechanisms that allow it to hold and use firefighting equipment. 

The Future and Beyond

While robotics technology continues to advance and find new ways to keep people safe and increase efficiency and productivity, both in the military and the manufacturing industry, the need for robotics workers will continue to grow alongside it. 

The military can be a great way to obtain a robotics education that will translate perfectly to manufacturing later on in life. However, you don’t have to enlist to start down the path of a career working with robots. 

In fact, if you’re somebody who’s looking to enter the field of robotics, you can get started on that path today. Simply navigate to the homepage of RoboticsCareer.org and use the search tool at the top of the page to find everything from degree programs to individual training courses and apprenticeships. You can even search by location, so you’re sure to find a great program near you. 

Whether you’re looking to become a robotics technician, a robotics specialist, or even a robotics integrator, everything you need to get started is right here at your fingertips. 

While robots are amazing machines capable of a lot of things, it still takes your human ambition to embark on an exciting career path in the world of robotics.