Robotic MULEs Showcased At Army Day Parade, Here's What We Know About Them
Known as the Multi-Utility Legged Equipment (MULE), this robotic mule can operate autonomously or be controlled remotely.
Robotic MULEs were recently showcased at the Indian Army Day Parade held in Pune. The Quadrupedal Unmanned Ground Vehicles (Q-UGVs), also known as robotic mules, participated in the parade to show the Army's prowess when it comes to modernisation. These robots reduce risk to soldiers and will operate in challenging environments.
The ARCV MULE, created by AeroArc, a New Delhi-based subsidiary of Arc Ventures (ARCV), is a cutting-edge robotic system built for a range of critical operations. These include perimeter security, asset protection, hazardous material handling (CBRNE), bomb disposal, and intelligence gathering tasks.
#WATCH | Maharashtra | Visuals of the 77th Army Day Parade in Pune.
— ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2025
The Army Day Parade commemorates Field Marshal KM Cariappa’s appointment as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army in 1949, symbolizing India’s post-independence military leadership. pic.twitter.com/JRoDiNwED3
Robotic MULE: What Do We Know?
Known as the Multi-Utility Legged Equipment (MULE), this robotic mule can operate autonomously or be controlled remotely. It features an onboard computer, a battery, advanced front and rear sensors, and legged mobility for enhanced adaptability. In June 2024, the Indian Army reportedly acquired 100 of these robotic mules to boost soldier efficiency and safety across challenging environments.
Designed for extreme operational conditions, they are capable of climbing stairs, navigating steep slopes, and traversing debris-laden areas. With an IP-67 rating, the MULE is built to withstand temperatures ranging from -40°C to +55°C, making it both dustproof and water-resistant, ideal for diverse terrains across India.
The ARCV MULE serves as a versatile platform, capable of carrying various equipment such as weapons, drones, night vision and thermal cameras, and robotic arms for object manipulation. It can also be outfitted with sensors to detect chemical and radiation threats, further enhancing its utility in complex scenarios.
Robotic MULE: Specifications
The robotic MULE is a robust and efficient system weighing 51 kilograms, designed to operate seamlessly in diverse environments. It boasts an IP67 protection rating, ensuring it is dustproof and water-resistant, and can function in extreme temperatures ranging from -45°C to 55°C. With a top speed of 3 meters per second, the MULE offers agility and adaptability in challenging terrains.
It features a powerful NVIDIA Xavier processor for advanced computing capabilities and has a maximum load capacity of 12 kilograms. The system provides up to 20 hours of standby battery life and can be fully set up in just 15 minutes, making it both reliable and highly practical for rapid deployment.
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