US Navy extends Sarcos Guardian testing
The Guardian DX performs intricate and dangerous tasks that require human-like skill, while keeping the operator at a safe distance. (Image: Sarcos)
Following a successful first phase of the Guardian DX contract, the US Navy has extended the testing of the platform.
The USN has exercised a contract option to expand the testing, evaluation and demonstrations of Sarcos Defense’s Guardian DX teleoperated dextrous robotic system.
The extended testing will focus on navy-specific tasks, with particular attention on the Navy’s maintenance modernisation and sustainment requirements.
The Guardian DX robot is the defence-specific variant of the Guardian XT highly dexterous mobile robotic system, which itself is a variant of the Guardian XO full-body, battery-powered industrial exoskeleton.
The Guardian DX robot is a teleoperated, dual-armed dexterous robot designed to perform tasks with human-like dexterity while keeping the operator at a safe distance in challenging and hazardous conditions.
Its modular design enables the robot to be mounted to a variety of mobile bases.
Sarcos Robotics was awarded a contract from the USAF in 2017 to develop a full-body exoskeleton for logistics applications.
The Guardian DX draws on this development and Sarcos’ experience developing UGVs, such as the company’s Guardian S UGV, which resembles a snake.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Top-level commitments but no meat in UK Defence Industrial Strategy’s Statement of Intent]()
Top-level commitments but no meat in UK Defence Industrial Strategy’s Statement of Intent
The initial document focused more on creating the right partnerships and inspiring investment in defence than on any details of how future UK Armed Forces would be armed.
-
![UK begins process on new industrial strategy]()
UK begins process on new industrial strategy
The first stage of developing a new UK Defence Industrial Strategy has highlighted failings in current structures with solutions expected to be proposed in next year’s full strategy.
-
![Romanians put pro-Russian candidate into presidential runoff even as the government spends west]()
Romanians put pro-Russian candidate into presidential runoff even as the government spends west
Romania joined NATO more than two decades ago and the country is vital to the alliance’s geographic reach and its ability to supply Ukraine with weapons.
-
![What the future holds for Ukraine and NATO under a Trump administration]()
What the future holds for Ukraine and NATO under a Trump administration
Although Trump’s geopolitics policy for Europe remains unclear, defence analysts from the US and Europe predict how his incoming administration would attempt to handle critical issues on the continent.
-
![RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific]()
RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October was the first by a Labour government in 14 years which has also launched a review into defence procurement programmes.
-
![Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard]()
Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard
The Australian government has placed a focus on Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) which has included the purchase of additional long-range rocket systems and investments in local production of missiles.
