A robotic mule is a robot that can carry heavy items. Boston Dynamics is the current manufacturer. The original mule is fitted with a petrol-powered engine, which creates a lot of noise and has been likened to a swarm of angry bees. Boston Dynamics developed the Spot, a quieter version, powered by electric and hydraulics. The robot can hold around 40 pounds (18 kg) of cargo. However, it is not repairable.
LS3
The LS3 robotic mule is currently undergoing platform refinement as well as combat simulations at military bases in California, Massachusetts. It still needs to be tuned for efficiency. It's currently being called "Cujo", after its maker. It was used at the Marine Corps Warfighting Lab for training and demonstrations.
The LS3 robotic mule includes a set of sensors, laser radar, and other features. This makes it a powerful following-the leader device that can follow the route of dismounted Marines. Marines may also speak commands to the robot.
BigDog
Boston Dynamics is currently creating the BigDog robotic mule for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. It's a four-legged machine. It can support hundreds of pounds and can traverse rough terrain, including snow. The robot can even climb a mountain without tipping over.
BigDog's robotic mule, the BigDog, has been in development since several years. The BigDog was developed in MIT's lab with funding from DARPA. The legs of the BigDog are articulated and the system contains an array of sensors. The robot does not require watering or feeding. The robot is powered by a gasoline engine. It could eventually be fitted with a solar panel.
Pedongi
Pedongi the robotic mule was an Indian animal that was used in the Indian army. Named after a small West Bengal town, the animal was given its name. The Indian Army's animal transport unit had the mule as part of its animal transport unit. This unit used mules in transporting ammunition, store, and casualties from military hospitals.
Pedongi served more than 30 years in the army. The Vir Chakra award was presented to the mule for his longest service in the Indian army after he retired in 1998. While the story behind Pedongi may have changed over the years the main story has remained the same. During the 1971 conflict in Jammu & Kashmir, the Army's Animal Transport convoy had a mule. Pakistani soldiers had attacked the mules but the infantry group launched an attack to counterattack.