[infowar.de] 'LANdroids' would form communications network

[Pluto <pluto -! - stderr - de>]

<http://www.gcn.com/online/vol1_no1/44510-1.html>

DARPA to raise robot army
'LANdroids' would form communications network

By Sebastina Sprenger

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency plans to develop a fleet 
of robots that soldiers can deploy in urban combat settings as they move 
through houses and along streets.

The program, dubbed LANdroid, envisions miniature autonomous drones that 
can form a network capable of relaying radio traffic in a setting often 
considered challenging for communications equipment.

According to a notional image of a LANdroid included in a DARPA 
pamphlet, each robot will be about the size of a deck of cards, and must 
be rugged, lightweight and able to operate for seven to 14 days, the 
agency said.

Demand for technologies to improve the military?s ability to fight in 
urban settings has increased in recent years because many of the 
operations in Iraq take place in Baghdad and other Iraqi metropolitan 
settings.

DARPA officials will provide additional information about the program 
during a July 6 industry day.


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