MARCbot
| Multi-function Agile Remote-Controlled Robot [1] | |
|---|---|
 MARCbot extends its camera to search for suspected improvised explosive devices | |
| Type | Demolition vehicle |
| Place of origin | United States of America (United States Army Rapid Equipping Force) [1] |
| Service history | |
| In service | Iraq, Afghanistan[1] |
| Used by | United States Army[1] |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 2004 [2] |
| Manufacturer | Exponent[1] |
| No. built | Over 1000 [1] |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 32 lb (15 kg) [3] |
| Length | 24 in (0.61 m) [3] |
| Width | 19.5 in (0.50 m) [3] |
| Height | 13.5 in (0.34 m) [3] |
| Crew | One remote operator |
Operational range | Up to 300 m (980 ft) (Line of sight),[3] 6h on batteries[2] |
The Multi-function Agile Remote-Controlled Robot (MARCbot) is a military robot created by Exponent Inc. for the United States Army Rapid Equipping Force.[1][2]
Design[edit]
The MARCbot was designed as a low cost robotic platform used in Iraq for the inspection of suspicious objects.[1][4] Until its creation when US Army patrols encountered a potential improvised explosive device, they had to either wait for a specialist explosive ordnance disposal team with its specialist / expensive robots, or investigate the suspicious package themselves.[1] Exponent worked with the Rapid Equipping Force to create a low-cost robot for patrol units.[1] Over 1000 MARCbots were eventually created for the US Army for the Iraq War and the War in Afghanistan.[1] The MARCbot reputedly costs $19,000 - however this is less than other contemporary military robots.[3]
The MARCbot is one of smallest and most commonly used robots in Iraq and looks like a small toy truck with an elevated mast on which a camera is mounted.[5] This camera is used to look, for example, behind doors or through windows without placing human soldiers in danger.[6] It is capable of running for 6 hours on a set of fully charged batteries and was developed with the input of soldiers in Iraq to meet their needs.
Use as an offensive weapon[edit]
The MARCbot was the first ground robot to draw blood in Iraq.[7] One unit jury-rigged a Claymore antipersonnel mine on their units. If they suspected an ambush they would send the robot ahead. If an insurgent was seen the Claymore would be detonated.
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "MARCbot". Exponent Inc. Retrieved 9 July 2016.
- ^ a b c Cohen, William J.; Zemach, Ken. "The MARCbot: The Army Program that Revolutionized Robotics for Patrol Warfighters" (PDF). Exponent Inc. Retrieved 9 July 2016.
- ^ a b c d e f Miller, W. Lee. "USMC Ground Robotics Current and Desired Future Capabilities" (PDF). Defense Technical Information Center. Defense Technical Information Center. Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 July 2013. Retrieved 9 July 2016.
- ^ "MARCbot (Multi-function Agile Remote Control Robot)". IEDRobot.com.
- ^ Garreau, Joel (6 May 2007). "Bots on The Ground". Washington Post. Retrieved 27 January 2008.
- ^ "War of the future: US to create more 'robot warriors' to save 'precious' American lives". Daily Times. 17 February 2006. Retrieved 27 January 2008.
- ^ Singer, P. W. "Robots at War: The New Battlefield". Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. Archived from the original on 7 January 2010. Retrieved 26 January 2009.