India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is building something straight out of science fiction: a humanoid robot meant to walk, move, and even assist in frontline missions.
The prototype, developed by DRDO’s Research and Development Establishment in Pune, recently made a public appearance during a three-day workshop on advanced legged robotics, offering a glimpse of what the military tech might look like.
While full details of the demonstration were not disclosed, the robot reportedly showcased its bipedal movement and articulated upper limbs — key features that could one day allow it to navigate rough terrain or handle hazardous materials.
“The humanoid robot consists of a complex operating system that functions through a combination of advanced software and sensors,” group director SE Talole told Times of India. “We have currently developed prototypes for both the lower and upper bodies of the robot and have achieved some applications during our internal testing.”
Commanded by Humans
The DRDO team has been developing the system for the past four years, with regional security tensions adding urgency to India’s push for more advanced battlefield tech.
The goal? To expand the potential of robotics and fuse human-like mobility with mission-ready functions.
Despite its autonomous capabilities, the robot won’t be making combat decisions on its own. DRDO has emphasized that it will remain under human control, with built-in safeguards to ensure that key battlefield actions require direct oversight.
“The challenging aspects for us are to execute various tasks seamlessly. To achieve that, we need to ensure high-level balancing, information processing, and execution on the ground,” Talole explained.
The project is expected to reach completion by 2027. If successful, it could support soldiers on dangerous missions, giving India a robotic edge where it is needed most.
