Akshata Sharma
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Hyderabad-based robotics startup, Zen Technologies, has made four-legged armed robots powered by artificial intelligence, Prahasta, for defence.
Zen Technologies teamed up with its subsidiary Al Turing Technologies to create Prahasta. Its name is taken from a powerful warrior from the Hindu epic the Ramayana.
According to the company's website, Prahasta uses LIDAR and reinforcement learning to create 3D terrain mapping, which is useful for mission planning and navigation. The Al robot can be armed with various calibre weapons such as 9mm, 5.56mm, and 7.62mm. It can be used as the first line of defence for commandos during Cl operations like 26/11, thereby saving lives.
A video by Zen Technologies demonstrates Prahasta navigating stairs with an assault rifle, overcoming obstacles, and "auto-resurrecting" after being knocked over.
The company also unveiled Barbarik-URCWS, the world's lightest remote-controlled weapon station for ships and ground vehicles.
"These innovations represent a significant advancement in autonomous defense operations," said Ashok Atluri, Zen's chairman and managing director.
"We believe the launch of these products will raise awareness around the need to integrate advanced robotics into combat and reconnaissance missions," he added.
Zen is best known for developing anti-drone systems and combat simulators. The company has shipped more than a thousand simulators and training systems worldwide.
India recently introduced its first robot, "dogs," known as MULES (Multi-Utility Legged Equipment), which was developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The army has ordered 100 MULES for surveillance and load-carrying in rugged terrain.
Equipped with thermal cameras, sensors, and the ability to attach small arms, the MULES can engage the enemy without risking human lives. India already uses UXORs for bomb detection and refusal.
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