07-22-2006, 03:50 AM
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SOLDIER PRINT EMAIL
Scientists working on 'soldier as a system', robotic soldiers
BANGALORE, JULY 21 (PTI)
If the country's defence scientists have their way, the Army could be equipped with hi-tech individual communications and weapons systems within three to five years, a top official said today.
And the next decade could see the advent of robotic soldiers trained in autonomous infantry warfare, said A Sivathanu Pillai, the chief controller of research and development in the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Speaking about new initiatives in armament technology, Pillai told PTI that the scientists are working on a programme called "soldier as a system".
"You need to equip the infantry soldier well," said Pillai. "The man must be equipped with intelligent inputs, communication, lightweight night sights, special goggles, protective clothing, protective shoes against mines.
"Many things are built around the soldier with minimum weight so that he becomes more efficient. In about three to five years, you will see many technologies coming up to help the soldier," he said.
According to Pillai, this programme will lead to "robotic soldiers" trained for autonomous warfare, for which a "10-year horizon is seen". "It (robotic soldier programme) is in a very initial stage," he said.
Pillai said the DRDO is working on autonomous vehicles that could clear minefields and precision-guided munitions. It has also carried out "some studies" and "initial trials" on a major programme for developing autonomous underwater vehicles.
Noting that future wars will be "fast", Pillai said DRDO had started working on technologies for this.
SOLDIER PRINT EMAIL
Scientists working on 'soldier as a system', robotic soldiers
BANGALORE, JULY 21 (PTI)
If the country's defence scientists have their way, the Army could be equipped with hi-tech individual communications and weapons systems within three to five years, a top official said today.
And the next decade could see the advent of robotic soldiers trained in autonomous infantry warfare, said A Sivathanu Pillai, the chief controller of research and development in the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Speaking about new initiatives in armament technology, Pillai told PTI that the scientists are working on a programme called "soldier as a system".
"You need to equip the infantry soldier well," said Pillai. "The man must be equipped with intelligent inputs, communication, lightweight night sights, special goggles, protective clothing, protective shoes against mines.
"Many things are built around the soldier with minimum weight so that he becomes more efficient. In about three to five years, you will see many technologies coming up to help the soldier," he said.
According to Pillai, this programme will lead to "robotic soldiers" trained for autonomous warfare, for which a "10-year horizon is seen". "It (robotic soldier programme) is in a very initial stage," he said.
Pillai said the DRDO is working on autonomous vehicles that could clear minefields and precision-guided munitions. It has also carried out "some studies" and "initial trials" on a major programme for developing autonomous underwater vehicles.
Noting that future wars will be "fast", Pillai said DRDO had started working on technologies for this.