Robotic dogs take center stage at Aero India 2025: India’s Defence tech revolution

If you’re eager to witness cutting-edge robotic dogs, also known as mules, in action, head to the India Pavilion at Aero India 2025, running till February 14 at Yelahanka Air Force Station, Bengaluru. These four-legged robotic prototypes, a pet project of the Indian Army, have been making waves at Republic Day and Army Day parades over the past year, showcasing their potential in military applications.

DGPL’s Trakr: Leading Innovation in Quadruped Robotics

One of the leading names in this emerging technology is Delhi-based defence startup Deftech & GreenIndia Private Limited (DGPL), founded by veterans. DGPL’s quadruped robot, Trakr, designed for all-terrain maneuverability, is a key participant at Aero India 2025.

“We were fortunate to receive a direct invitation after winning the Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX) challenge in 2023,” said Wing Commander Anshul Jain (Retd.), General Manager (Business Development) at DGPL. The iDEX initiative, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018, aims to foster technological advancements in defence and aerospace.

Developed in collaboration with Noida-based Addverb Technologies, backed by Reliance Industries, Trakr has evolved significantly since its launch in July 2024. Unlike first-generation robotic prototypes, Trakr boasts superior capabilities, including a higher payload capacity of 20-25 kg, compared to the earlier 15 kg versions.

Versatile Military and Surveillance Applications

Trakr’s potential extends beyond logistics support for the Indian Army. It can also be equipped with sensors for gas leak detection, and its 4G/5G connectivity enables real-time transmission of live video feeds. “Its ‘eyes’ function as cameras, making it ideal for perimeter surveillance,” added Jain.

DGPL hopes its participation in Aero India 2025 will facilitate meaningful engagements with Indian Armed Forces decision-makers. “We’ve been pitching Trakr to the Army, but they haven’t committed to a sealed trial yet. The next four days offer a significant opportunity for high-level interactions,” Jain emphasized. The company is already a supplier of drones and infrared products to multiple military units in India.

Other Players in India’s Quadruped Robotics Space

Beyond DGPL, other Indian companies are also venturing into the robotic quadruped market:

AeroArc (Delhi): Their robot, ‘Sanjay’ or MULE, was showcased at the Army Day parade in Pune on January 15 and the Republic Day parade in Kolkata on January 26.

Zen Technologies (Hyderabad): Developing Prahasta, an automated quadruped using LIDAR and reinforcement learning for real-time 3D terrain mapping, mission planning, and threat assessment.
Svaya Robotics (Hyderabad): Credited with creating India’s first quadruped robot in collaboration with DRDO labs R&DE Pune and DEBEL Bengaluru in March 2023. However, it is absent from the company’s official product listings.

Edith Defence System (Thane): Their quadruped robot, Black Panther, has been circulating online but is not listed on their website.

Bhairav Robotics (Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh): Marketed as India’s first armed Q-UGV (unmanned ground vehicle) under the name Shvana, though only digital renderings exist on its website.

The Road Ahead
Despite the surge in interest, Jain pointed out that trials or public demonstrations for many of these robotic models remain scarce. As India rapidly advances in defence technology, Aero India 2025 serves as a crucial platform for startups and defence manufacturers to showcase their innovations and secure interest from the military establishment.

With India striving to modernize its defence infrastructure, quadruped robots like Trakr and its counterparts could play a vital role in enhancing military logistics, surveillance, and security operations in the years to come.