America's Robot Army

Popular Mechanics explores the increasing level of reliance the US military has when it comes to robotic assistance. In the last few years, robot drones have reached an all-new level of sophistication, with several models already deployed in the field. Now, the next generation of robot helpers is nearing the end of its test phase. PM offers up a preview of what we could expect to see in the field within the next five years. "The MULE (Multifunction Utility/Logistics and Equipment) is roughly the size of a Humvee, but it has a trick worthy of monster truck rallies. Each of its six wheels is mounted on an articulated leg, allowing the robot to clamber up obstacles that other cars would simply bump against ... Barely a year old, the prototype is a product of the Army's Unmanned Ground Vehicle program, which began in 2001. It has yet to fire a single bullet or missile, or even be fitted with a weapon. Here at the test track it's loaded down with rucksacks and boxes, two squads' worth of equipment."

Re:More tanks

[Anonymous Coward]

Why would you want to fight pirates? They are holy creatures. It is the ninjas that you want to kill. Of course, that is unless you don't like having polar icecaps.

Re:Over-reliance on tech

[NewbieProgrammerMan]

Bah, I'm sure that all our cool toys are totally invulnerable to EM weapons. They're probably completely unhackable and could never be hijacked in any way to be used against US troops or innocent bystanders.

Re:More tanks

[teneighty]

To truly fight guerilla you must fight them like you fight pirates.

... with Ninjas?