The Multi-function Agile Remote-Controlled Robot (MARCbot) is a military robot created by Exponent Inc. for the United States Army Rapid Equipping Force.[1][2]

Multi-function Agile Remote-Controlled Robot [1]
MARCbot extends its camera to search for suspected improvised explosive devices
TypeDemolition vehicle
Place of originUnited States of America (United States Army Rapid Equipping Force) [1]
Service history
In serviceIraq, Afghanistan[1]
Used byUnited States Army[1]
Production history
Designed2004 [2]
ManufacturerExponent[1]
No. builtOver 1000 [1]
Specifications
Mass32 lb (15 kg) [3]
Length24 in (0.61 m) [3]
Width19.5 in (0.50 m) [3]
Height13.5 in (0.34 m) [3]
CrewOne remote operator

Operational
range
Up to 300 m (980 ft) (Line of sight),[3] 6h on batteries[2]

Design

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The MARCbot was designed as a low cost robotic platform used in Iraq for the inspection of suspicious objects.[1][4] Until its creation when US Army patrols encountered a potential improvised explosive device, they had to either wait for a specialist explosive ordnance disposal team with its specialist / expensive robots, or investigate the suspicious package themselves.[1] Exponent worked with the Rapid Equipping Force to create a low-cost robot for patrol units.[1] Over 1000 MARCbots were eventually created for the US Army for the Iraq War and the War in Afghanistan.[1] The MARCbot reputedly costs $19,000 - however this is less than other contemporary military robots.[3]

The MARCbot is one of smallest and most commonly used robots in Iraq and looks like a small toy truck with an elevated mast on which a camera is mounted.[5] This camera is used to look, for example, behind doors or through windows without placing human soldiers in danger.[6] It is capable of running for 6 hours on a set of fully charged batteries and was developed with the input of soldiers in Iraq to meet their needs.

Use as an offensive weapon

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The MARCbot was the first ground robot to draw blood in Iraq.[7] One unit jury-rigged a Claymore antipersonnel mine on their units. If they suspected an ambush they would send the robot ahead. If an insurgent was seen the Claymore would be detonated.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "MARCbot". Exponent Inc. Retrieved 9 July 2016.
  2. ^ a b c Cohen, William J.; Zemach, Ken. "The MARCbot: The Army Program that Revolutionized Robotics for Patrol Warfighters" (PDF). Exponent Inc. Retrieved 9 July 2016.
  3. ^ a b c d e f Miller, W. Lee. "USMC Ground Robotics Current and Desired Future Capabilities" (PDF). Defense Technical Information Center. Defense Technical Information Center. Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 July 2013. Retrieved 9 July 2016.
  4. ^ "MARCbot (Multi-function Agile Remote Control Robot)". IEDRobot.com.
  5. ^ Garreau, Joel (6 May 2007). "Bots on The Ground". Washington Post. Retrieved 27 January 2008.
  6. ^ "War of the future: US to create more 'robot warriors' to save 'precious' American lives". Daily Times. 17 February 2006. Retrieved 27 January 2008.
  7. ^ Singer, P. W. "Robots at War: The New Battlefield". Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. Archived from the original on 7 January 2010. Retrieved 26 January 2009.