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)
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
-
Estonia opts for smart, adaptable and cooperative solutions in the face of Russian threat
Estonian-made equipment is being put through the toughest of evaluations in the hands of Ukrainian soldiers resisting the full-scale Russian invasion which began in 2022. The country has long seen the threat and is continuing to adapt for the future.
-
Estonia boosting defence industry with lessons from Ukraine, says country’s economic minister
Estonia is looking to boost its local defence industry with directed funding, industry parks, support through international orders for equipment and rapid prototyping.
-
UK faces cost of balancing defensive capabilities abroad as Iran conflict widens
The UK has recently deployed a Type 45 destroyer to Cyprus and has bolstered its presence in the Middle East in recent weeks with supporting air power to protect neighbouring countries’ air defences.
-
White House calls on Pentagon contractors to “rapidly and aggressively” boost weapon production
Intended to sustain Operation Epic Fury against Iran, efforts to increase the production of weapons and ammunition could expose long-standing weaknesses in the US defence industrial base.
-
India’s strategic defence footprint expansion could be accelerated by Iran-Israel conflict
The latest escalation between Iran and Israel could shape New Delhi’s next-generation shield as India deepens cooperation with Israel on missile defence and drone production.
-
Is the US magazine of air defence interceptors deep enough to sustain a long campaign against Iran?
The Pentagon spent a considerable number of THAAD and SM-3 rounds to defend against Iranian missiles in 2025 and has not fully replenished its reserves.