Marathon Robotics has developed a robotic target training system that helps in the training of Marine Officers. Dr. Alex Brooks, the CEO of Marathon Robotics, explained that the system was specifically designed for training snipers in identifying unpredictable targets.
Target Training Robots. Credit: John Boal/News & Messenger
Brooks added that the robotic training aids were two or four wheeled and were designed to suit different terrains in the training environment. The two-wheeled robot would be ideal for a flat terrain such as an urban environment, while the four-wheeled robot would suit any kind of terrain. He explained the difference between the two saying that the four-wheeled robot was capable of moving fast while the two-wheeled robot was capable of skilful manoeuvring. Brooks claimed that the robots were capable of controlling themselves without human interference and were fitted with masks that make them look like ‘bad guys’or civilians. The part above the waist of the robot is fitted with a sensor that records data about when it was shot and the lower part is bullet proof.
Brooks continued to say that these robots were very useful in training the snipers on unpredictable targets that are made to look realistic. The Australian army currently uses eight such systems for training. Lt.Col. Walt Yates of the Marine Corps System Command has for the first time tested these systems in the U.S Military base. He said the test lasted for 90 mins, where the members of the U.S Army had fired at the robots. Yates mentioned that they would like to conduct repeated tests on Marines with systems that come at affordable prices. He added that the decision to purchase the robotic system from Marathon Robotics is still being evaluated. He stated that the Marine Corps are waiting for a complete fleet of such robots to be delivered in another three months time for further experimentation and evaluation.
Source: http://www.marathon-targets.com/