TESTING

Ghost Robotics Q-UGV (SPUR-armed)

US — Ghost Robotics / SWORD Defense
Autonomous Ground System
TESTING
N/A

Description

Four-legged autonomous ground robot fitted with Special Purpose Unmanned Rifle module. Capable of autonomous navigation and semi-autonomous target engagement.

The Ghost Robotics Q-UGV with SPUR module represents the first commercially available armed quadruped robot to be evaluated by a major military, raising significant ethical and legal questions about autonomous lethal systems. Its Hivemind-derived navigation enables it to operate in GPS-denied indoor environments where wheeled robots cannot function. The USAF deployed examples at Tyndall AFB as part of an autonomous base security force protection experiment following the base's near-total destruction by Hurricane Michael.

Notable Use

Demonstrated at AUSA 2021; USAF security forces evaluation; deployed at Tyndall AFB for autonomous base security

Related Systems

Investment Implications

Ghost Robotics is a private company. SWORD Defense Systems, which developed the SPUR weapon module, is also private. The broader defense robotics sector is accessible through Textron (TXT) and QinetiQ (QQ.L).