Question: Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to satate :-

(a) whether the Defence Research and Development Organisation has started any project to manufacture robotic soldiers who can work like the soldiers posted on the border;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the necessary technology for the said project is being made available in the country;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether any time limit has been fixed for the manufacturing of robotic soldiers in the country; and

(f) if so, the details thereof?

Answer: Minister of Defence (Shri A.K. Antony)

(a) & (b) No, Madam. However, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) – ‘Daksha’, which is an automated mobile platform for multi- purpose payloads. It is an electrically powered state-of-the-art Robot capable of being remotely controlled over a distance of 500 metres line-of-sight and can be utilised continuously for 3 hours before recharge. It has stair climbing capability and can be used for handling Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

(c) & (d) Technology for production of ROV has been transferred to Ordnance Factory Board (OFB).

(e) & (f) Limited Series Production (LSP) order for 20 Daksha placed by the Army has already been delivered.

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Defence Economics & Industry