The Indian Army introduced the Multi-Utility Legged Equipment (MULE) at the recent North Tech Symposium 2023 in Jammu. MULE is an autonomous load-bearing robot designed for counter-terrorism operations, requiring minimal human intervention. It features 360-degree cameras and radars for threat detection and includes a firing platform. This analog-faced robot has four legs with a payload capacity of 12 kg and can operate over Wi-Fi or LTE within a 10 km range. It’s user-friendly and capable of executing pre-fed missions in diverse terrains, including snow and mountains, with impressive climbing capabilities. The North Tech Symposium showcased military innovations and equipment.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- Autonomous Load-Bearing Robot: MULE is a robotic system that can carry loads without human intervention, designed to assist in locating and eliminating terrorists.
- Firing Platform: A firing platform integrated into MULE enables it to engage targets effectively.
- Wi-Fi and LTE Operation: MULE can be operated using both Wi-Fi and Long-Term Evolution (LTE) connectivity, allowing it to function within a 10 km range.
- North Tech Symposium 2023: This event was jointly organized by the Indian Army’s Northern Command, the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), and IIT-Jammu. It featured exhibitions, product launches, technical seminars, and military equipment displays, promoting innovation and collaboration in defense technology.