The U.S. military has been a pioneering user of robots, pouring billions of dollars into the design, development and production of unmanned technology.
Big buyers of battlefield robots like the Army are examining new ways to use these systems but are finding that much of the inventory acquired over the past decade is far from cutting edge. Combat units have complained that the equipment is difficult to operate and maintain. Defense Department buyers also are demanding lower prices for robots, and want “open architectures” instead of hardwired systems that obstruct the insertion of new technology.
