Standing at the crossroads of robotics and hazardous mission support, Ghost Robotics today introduced a new manipulator arm for its Vision 60 Quadruped Unmanned Ground Vehicle (Q-UGV). The addition responds directly to the growing need for versatile, remote solutions in high-risk sectors. Designed with adaptability in mind, the arm brings manual dexterity to the established Vision 60 platform. Field technicians, emergency responders, and industrial operators now have a tool that navigates not only rough terrain but also complex human environments.
Several months prior to this release, Ghost Robotics publicized its intent to broaden the Vision 60’s operational portfolio, though details about the manipulator arm’s capabilities or modularity were limited. Competitors in the quadruped robotics space, such as Boston Dynamics, showcased manipulator attachments yet often involved more complex integration or off-site installation. Ghost Robotics’ approach, promising in-field installation and modular gripper options, stands in contrast to those earlier models which sometimes required shipping robots back to the manufacturer for upgrades. This new iteration by Ghost also shifts the perception of quadrupeds from observation and scouting to engagement and manipulation across different industries.
How Does the Manipulator Arm Work?
The newly released arm is a top-mounted, lightweight accessory that grants the Vision 60 advanced manipulation abilities. Key features include six degrees of freedom, backdrivable joints for sensitive force control, and a gripper optimized for actions such as door-opening and object retrieval. Field deployment is simplified; customers install the arm directly onto their robots using captive fasteners. Power is drawn from the primary robotic system, and while some reduction in endurance may occur, operational flexibility is prioritized. The modular design accommodates quick swapping of grippers when replacement or specialized tasks arise.
What Do Field Operators Gain from This Addition?
This development allows Vision 60 robots to tackle more varied and demanding assignments. Tasks such as navigating through doors, removing obstacles, or picking up hazardous objects can now be executed without human intervention. The enhanced reach and periscope-like functionality also address customer feedback, offering alternative vantage points for improved situational awareness. Gavin Kenneally, Co-Founder and CEO of Ghost Robotics, stated,
“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.”
Where Is the Vision 60 Being Deployed with the New Arm?
Ghost Robotics has identified numerous domains for immediate impact, including defense, explosive ordnance disposal, industrial inspection, disaster response, and manufacturing. Military branches like the U.S. Marine Corps and Air Force are among active users. Commercial partners in energy production, construction, and data management sectors have incorporated the Vision 60 for challenging environments. According to Kenneally, installation was designed for simplicity:
“The arm is easy to install by customers in the field, it attaches with captive fasteners and included connectors. Unlike some of our competitors, the robot does not have to be shipped back to Ghost to install the arm.”
The manipulator arm expands the Vision 60’s role from passive mobility to interactive fieldwork. Its robust design supports missions in temperatures ranging from –40 to 55°C (–40 to 131°F) and is rated IP67 for dust and water resistance, handling environments where human operation would be difficult or unsafe. The system’s modularity ensures future compatibility with upcoming grippers or other payloads. As the demand for unmanned solutions grows, modular platforms like the Vision 60 equipped with manipulation add-ons can be adapted quickly for a variety of missions, reducing response time and improving operator safety. Stakeholders considering robotic assistance in hazardous environments should weigh operational needs and integration processes, as field-ready, easy-to-customize systems like the Vision 60 could provide increased value compared to models requiring centralized updates or repairs.
