Earlier this year, footage appeared of an exercise by the Japanese ground forces in which four-legged robot dogs were used for the first time. During training with the 1st Airborne Brigade, these so-called robot dogs walked through the terrain while paratroopers carried out their drills. They were Vision 60 robots from American company Ghost Robotics, used in Japan for reconnaissance and security. Japan is investing heavily in this technology to support troops in dangerous operations and gather information in high-risk areas.
Although the exact number of robot dogs in use is not public, it is probably dozens of units divided between the ground and air forces. The robot dogs can traverse terrain on their own that is too difficult or too dangerous for human soldiers. They are used for patrols, perimeter security and reconnoitring objects or areas where a direct human presence would be too risky. For Japan, this is a first step in gaining experience with autonomous systems in real military conditions.
Ghost Robotics and the plans for the Vision 60
Ghost Robotics is an American company focused on four-legged robots for use in difficult conditions. The Vision 60 is its main model and is praised for its robustness and flexibility. It can carry different sensors, walks in rough terrain and can operate autonomously for long periods. The company recently developed a manipulator arm for the robot, allowing it to open doors, move objects or carry out other tasks in its surroundings. This means the robot can not only reconnoitre, but also actively intervene without a human having to enter dangerous situations.
Ghost Robotics wants to roll out the Vision 60 internationally and works with partners in different countries for this. For example, a strategic partnership has been set up with a South Korean company, allowing production to be scaled up and the robot to become available more quickly to foreign defence customers. The intention is that the robot will become even smarter in the future, with software that helps it interpret terrain on its own, avoid obstacles and carry out certain tasks without direct human control.
International developments
Japan’s use of robot dogs is part of a broader international trend. The United States is also testing the Vision 60 extensively. There the robots are used for reconnaissance, guarding routes and even for counter-drone tasks. In some exercises the robots are fitted with light weapon systems to detect and track potential threats. American special forces are experimenting with various applications, such as carrying equipment or gathering footage in high-risk areas.
Other countries, such as China and South Korea, are also investing in autonomous systems for defence. This technology is seen as a way to protect human troops, take over dangerous tasks and make military operations more efficient. Even in civilian contexts, such as disaster response or security, this technology can play a role.
Costs and investments
Robot dogs such as the Vision 60 are not a cheap purchase. A single unit costs between 150,000 and 165,000 dollars, depending on sensors and equipment. On top of that come costs for maintenance, training and software. Yet countries see the investment as justified because of the benefits for safety and operational capabilities. Ghost Robotics itself also continuously invests in further development, including the manipulator arm and improved software, making the robots even more versatile in the future.
Image: the US Army tests a robot dog with an AR-15 rifle.
The future of robot dogs
It is clear that robot dogs will play an ever larger role in military exercises and operations. In Japan they are used to gain experience with autonomous systems in realistic scenarios. In the United States they are being tested for operational deployability and in combination with weapon systems. For other countries, the robot dogs serve as reconnaissance and support in areas too dangerous for human soldiers.
With the development of new functions such as the manipulator arm and improved software, the robot will be able to work more and more independently. At the same time, human control remains essential, especially in operations where safety and precision matter. The trend shows that autonomous four-legged robots are increasingly becoming a permanent part of modern armed forces, taking over dangerous tasks and relieving human troops.
For Japan and other countries, this means robot dogs are not just a technological experiment, but a structural part of future military operations. Their role will grow as countries gain experience and the technology develops further, making them a reliable tool on the battlefield and in high-risk situations.
