The United States Military is embracing cutting-edge technology and military robots are at the frontline of those new developments. Military robots may deliver on the military’s goal of “no blood on first contact” by deploying before troops, therefore minimizing, and even potentially eliminating, casualties during first contact with the enemy. These military robots hold such promise that military technology may constitute one third of the U.S. Military in the next 10 to 15 years.
While embracing military technology ensures the U.S. can maintain its tactical advantage against its enemies, it also poses challenges. Reliable, user-friendly tools such as rugged laptops and mobile devices are needed so operators can control advanced robots in any situation or terrain. TOUGHBOOK offers solutions to these challenges so that military personnel are equipped to get the most out of their military technology.
From advanced weapons systems to state-of-the-art vehicles such as planes, tanks, and submarines, the newest tech ensures our armed forces have advantages to assist them in successfully completing their mission.
What sets military robots apart from previous technological advancements is that they can be used autonomously, meaning they can be operated without an onboard pilot or crew. These unmanned vehicles allow units to complete potentially dangerous tasks with minimal or no risk to human life. And there are multiple types of unmanned vehicles that can be deployed depending on the situation:
Much of the public discourse around unmanned military robots focuses on armed robots that can be used for targeted strikes against enemy forces. While this is important, there are a number of other roles for military robots that increase their value across a variety of military situations.
These are just some of the ways in which military robots are being deployed. As greater numbers of military robots are procured and new advancements are made, there are sure to be even more situations where they can be deployed to save lives and support the mission.
It’s clear that military robots will play important roles in the future of the U.S. military. The market for UAV systems alone has been projected to reach nearly $22 billion by 2026. But military robots don’t work on their own. While they are unmanned, they still require operators to control them and collect and analyze the data they provide. These operators require reliable and adaptable devices that connect them to the military robots they are controlling.
TOUGHBOOK offers an array of rugged computers designed for different military environments:
Optional keyboards, responsive touchscreens with high visibility for use in the daylight, and a multitude of modular expansion packs (xPAKs) ensure that TOUGHBOOK devices offer everything operators need to successfully control their military robots.
If your operating device doesn’t connect to the robot when needed, operators will find themselves unable to communicate with their machines during critical situations. This can put people and information at risk. And, while being able to connect is important, it's equally as important to be able to disconnect operating devices when needed.
TOUGHBOOK reliability begins before devices are even deployed. The U.S. military needs to be cognizant of any potential security risks starting by ensuring that all TOUGHBOOK devices utilize a trusted and secure supply chain and are TAA compliant. All designs, builds, and tests of computers are done in Panasonic’s own production facilities. Panasonic is the only major manufacturer that supports a secure supply chain in this way.
Once devices are deployed into the field, TOUGHBOOK computers offer unmatched durability and are five times more reliable than business laptops. TOUGHBOOK rugged laptops are also equipped with durability enhancing features such as long-lasting, hot-swappable batteries, and components designed to withstand the challenges of operational environments:
TOUGHBOOK computers are also designed to connect to command and to military robots whenever and wherever they need to while also being disconnected when required. Passthrough connectors for four antennas allow for wireless flexibility. Optional 4G and 5G modems as well as FirstNet (Band 14) and CBRS Private LTE (Band 48) support ensure the most reliable, on-demand connectivity.
Military technology and using military robots affect every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. TOUGHBOOK is always innovating with military solutions that support all types of military technology in any setting. By providing tools that are both reliable and user-friendly, TOUGHBOOK ensures the U.S. Military is ready to deploy new technologies fast and effectively, keeping our armed forces equipped to face whatever threats the future may hold.
Learn more about technology solutions for military.