"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
18 Mar 2023
India is set to make history in the field of robotics with the development of the country's first indigenous quadruped robot and exoskeleton for the defence sector. This revolutionary technology has been developed as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which aims to make India self-sufficient in critical areas, including defence.
Hyderabad-based Svaya Robotics has collaborated with the DRDO Labs, Research and Development Establishment (R&DE), Pune, and the Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical Laboratory (DEBEL), Bengaluru, to develop the robots and wearable exoskeletons.
The quadruped robot, which has four legs and can run or walk on rugged and uneven terrain, is perfect for use in places where soldiers must travel through difficult terrain, like Ladakh. The robots can travel alongside soldiers and are built to carry a payload of 25 kg, making them helpful for spotting terrorist activity and recording images that can be viewed from anywhere in the nation. On the other hand, the wearable exoskeleton will allow soldiers to carry hefty burdens without exerting much effort, lessening the long-term effects on their health.
According to Vijay R Seelam, founder and managing director of Svaya Robotics, both the quadruped robot and the exoskeleton have dual-use applications and can be used in various industries and healthcare sectors. He also emphasized that the deployment of these robots in the frontline can save the lives of many soldiers, particularly in areas where paramilitary and military forces operate.
With these technological breakthroughs, India is poised to become a leading player in the global defence sector. The development of these robots and exoskeletons is a significant milestone in India's journey towards self-reliance and reinforces the country's commitment to innovation and excellence in technology.