Researchers developing millimeter-scale technology for soldiers

Military researchers are helping develop millimeter-scale robotic leg structures to give U.S. soldiers on the battlefield a technological advantage that could save lives. Current robots typically require operating soldiers to lower their weapons, and are unable to traverse the same rough terrain that soldiers might find themselves in.

Researchers hope to use future systems available to autonomously enter and exit buildings, continuously send information to troops on the ground, and to conduct defense and surveillance activities.

"Think of it as a camera on wheels, where soldiers have a one or two-pound sensor that they can throw into a building to assess situational awareness," said Dr. Brett Piekarski, Army Research Laboratory's Micro and Nano Materials and Devices Branch chief. "The soldier controls it like a video game to complete the task."

ARL continues to strive towards increased situational awareness capabilities for soldiers, in an effort to keep them safer during operations.