A team of lecturers at the Military Technical Academy in Hanoi has developed an AI-powered battlefield robot prototype named Warthog, designed for autonomous operation in complex environments. Introduced in early May by Le Ba Chung, head of the Laboratory for Mechatronics and Special Machine Manufacturing at the academy’s aerospace department, the robot is capable of autonomously tracking and capturing targets over diverse terrains, notably including underwater environments.
Chung emphasized the prototype’s key capability: “Its greatest strength lies in its ability to move outdoors across difficult terrain such as underwater, on land, or up slopes of 45 degrees, while also autonomously tracking and capturing targets.” Originally a non-military concept, the research team spent 18 months transforming it into a combat-ready machine. Chung noted the project was driven by the need to reduce human risk in warfare amidst global advances in military technology. “Unmanned aerial and ground vehicles help reduce human casualties in warfare. That is why we proposed this research project to the academy,” he stated.
Development and Capabilities
After studying international military robots and identifying their limitations in terrain adaptability, the team began developing the Warthog in September 2023. Their goal was to create a robot with superior mobility and fully automated targeting.
The Warthog features a base platform equipped with advanced sensors like 2D LiDAR, IMU, encoders, GPS, and cameras, enabling autonomous navigation across diverse outdoor conditions. Its weapons system includes an AK rifle, tilt sensors, and range-finding cameras. AI algorithms process visual data, transmitting it up to one kilometer away, even through obstacles. The robot can autonomously track, identify, and engage targets upon receiving commands from its control hub.
“Our weapons system ensures that the robot can lock onto and follow a target regardless of terrain or vibration,” Chung explained. He added, “The gun mount can rotate 180 degrees to keep the barrel aimed at the subject, ready to fire upon receiving a signal.” A test run on the academy campus, captured by VnExpress/Duong Tam video, showcased its potential.
Overcoming Challenges
Developing the robot involved significant challenges, particularly transitioning from controlled lab conditions to real-world tests. Chung recalled the first outdoor test a year ago (around May 2024), where the 590-kg robot navigated terrain smoothly, but the weapon system struggled to keep pace with a moving target due to factors like lighting, requiring repeated recalibration and rebuilding of components like the weapon mount.
Reflecting on the process, Chung shared, “There were days we did nothing but discuss how to fix unresolved issues, often intense and lasting late into the night.” He stressed the team’s commitment: “We were determined to create a functional battlefield robot, not just a display model.”
The team continues refining the robot, enhancing object detection and recognition algorithms for accurate targeting and upgrading autonomous navigation software for greater precision. They are also developing mounting systems for other firearms, including submachine and machine guns, and are simultaneously working on rescue and demining robots, highlighting a broader application of their expertise.
