Manipulator arm helps robot dog open doors, handle hazardous tasks

Photos: Robot dog gets manipulator arm to help out first responders and workers — A new Manipulator Arm.Ghost Robotics

Ghost Robotics has announced a new Manipulator Arm for its Vision 60 Quadruped Unmanned Ground Vehicle (Q-UGV). The addition allows the robot to perform complex tasks while keeping its signature agility.

This upgrade, announced on December 11, is aimed at expanding the robot’s use in defense, public safety, and industrial operations.

The Manipulator Arm is designed as a lightweight, modular system mounted on top of the Vision 60. It can handle tasks such as opening doors, picking up objects, and managing tools.

Its six degrees of freedom provide smooth, force-sensitive control that mirrors the durability of the robot’s legs.

CEO highlights safety benefits

"At Ghost Robotics, our mission is to keep people out of harm's way," said Gavin Kenneally, Co-Founder and CEO of Ghost Robotics. "We already build legged robots for some of the world's most demanding customers operating in the toughest environments. Now, those same robots can manipulate the world around them—giving first responders, warfighters, and inspectors a safer and more capable platform for hazardous or hard-to-reach missions."

Expanding mission capabilities

The arm extends the Vision 60’s usefulness across defense, explosive ordnance disposal, disaster response, industrial inspections, and manufacturing. Remote manipulation allows operators to tackle dangerous or hard-to-reach areas without putting humans at risk.

Indoor and outdoor operations

"The Vision 60 was built for the harshest terrain outside, but anyone in public safety or defense knows the toughest challenges are often inside the building," added Kenneally. "With our new arm enabling door access, the robot is built for both worlds."

Key technical features

The Manipulator Arm can extend up to 3.3 feet (1 meter) and weighs 10.6 kg. It can grip objects with a force of 23.4 pounds (11.3 kg) and carry a continuous payload of 8.3 pounds (3.75 kg) at 19.7 (50 cm). The arm is built to operate in extreme temperatures from –40 to 131 °F (–40 to 55 °C) and meets IP67 standards for dust and water protection.

Vision 60 Q-UGV design

The Vision 60 is an all-weather, all-terrain robot. Its modular design supports various payloads, and it can be repaired in the field. The robot is capable of navigating rain, snow, mud, sand, and complex environments, delivering three times the endurance of most competing legged platforms.

Adaptable for multiple industries

With the new arm and other modular payloads, the Vision 60 can be used for defense, industrial inspections, public safety, energy, construction, and data-center operations. It supports mission-specific sensors, cameras, and communication systems, making it highly adaptable.

Trusted by military and industry

The Vision 60 is used by the U.S. Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, and commercial partners. It has proven itself in challenging environments and high-risk missions where mobility and manipulation are critical.