Combat Robot Could be Operational by 2011

A multi-legged robot able to fight in lieu of human beings is expected to be available in 2011.

The “R&D Collaboration Plan for the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Information and Communication” was reviewed and confirmed at the 10th round of a science and technology ministers’ meeting presided by Oh Myung, deputy prime minister and minister of science and technology. The meeting was held at the Lotte Hotel in Sogong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul on Wednesday.

According to the plan, the two ministries agreed to invest a total of 33.4 billion won for the period between 2006 and 2011 to develop a “multi-legged robot” able to walk and run on rugged terrain and controlled remotely.

The robot, equipped with artificial intelligence, can be used as a combat robot. The robot is expected to have six or eight wheels or six legs. The shape of the robot will be finalized by the end of 2006.

cosmos@donga.com