Military academy lecturers develop AI battlefield robot

In early May Le Ba Chung, head of the Laboratory for Mechatronics and Special Machine Manufacturing at the academy’s aerospace department, introduced the AI-powered prototype named Warthog to students at the academy.

"Its greatest strength lies in its ability to move outdoors across difficult terrain such as underwater, on land or up slopes of 45 degrees, while also autonomously tracking and capturing targets," he said, resting his hand on the robot’s mounted weapon system.

Originally a non-military prototype, the robot was transformed into a combat-ready machine over the course of 18 months by the research team.

Le Ba Chung demonstrates the combat robot to students at the Military Technical Academy. Photo by VnExpress/Duong Tam

Chung said the idea stemmed from real-world needs amid rapid advances in global military technology. "Unmanned aerial and ground vehicles help reduce human casualties in warfare. That is why we proposed this research project to the academy."

After studying similar military-grade robots made by international manufacturers, the team found that many struggled with terrain adaptability. It then, in September 2023, set out to develop a combat robot with greater mobility and fully automated targeting capabilities.

The robot consists of two main modules: a base platform equipped with advanced sensors such as 2D LiDAR, IMU, encoders, GPS, and various cameras; and a weapons system featuring an AK rifle, tilt sensors and range-finding cameras. This configuration allows the robot to navigate autonomously in outdoor environments in all kinds of terrain and weather conditions.

AI algorithms process visual data and transmit it to a control center from distances of up to one kilometer even if there are obstacles. The robot can also autonomously track, identify and engage targets upon receiving commands from its control hub.

"Our weapons system ensures that the robot can lock onto and follow a target regardless of terrain or vibration," Chung explained. "The gun mount can rotate 180 degrees to keep the barrel aimed at the subject, ready to fire upon receiving a signal."

 

 

Military academy lecturers develop AI battlefield robot

Nhóm giảng viên sáng chế robot chiến trường ứng dụng AI

The team faced challenges during development, particularly when transitioning tests from lab conditions to real-world environments. He recalled the first outdoor test a year ago.

The 590-kg robot navigated rough terrain smoothly, but the weapons system malfunctioned. Its rotation speed could not keep up with a moving target due to factors such as lighting conditions. After every test the team had to recalibrate the program. Lacking experience, they had to rebuild certain parts, such as the weapon mount, multiple times.

"There were days we did nothing but discuss how to fix unresolved issues, often intense and lasting late into the night.

"We were determined to create a functional battlefield robot, not just a display model."

Chung inspects the weapon system on the combat robot. Photo by VnExpress/Duong Tam

The team is continuing to refine the weapons system by improving object detection and recognition algorithms to ensure it targets only enemies.

It is also upgrading the autonomous navigation software for greater precision and coordination.

"Mechanically, we are working on mounting systems for other types of firearms beyond the AK, including submachine and machine guns."

The team is also developing rescue and demining robots.