🐕🦺 In January 2026, something straight out of science fiction appeared at Japan's annual New Year military exercise. Four-legged "robot dogs" emerged from transport helicopters and advanced alongside soldiers. The images spread across social media, drawing attention to Japan's defense technology modernization. These robot dogs had already proven their worth during the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake disaster relief. What does this "human-machine integration" mean for a Self-Defense Force facing chronic personnel shortages?
Vision 60 Debuts at Annual Parachute Training Exercise
On January 11, 2026, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) conducted its annual "First Parachute Training of the Year" (NYJIP26) at Narashino Training Area in Chiba Prefecture. This exercise simulates defensive operations against enemy invasion, featuring joint airborne operations with allied nations including the United States, Canada, and Germany. The event was livestreamed on YouTube.
After soldiers descended to the ground, four robot dogs appeared, immediately deployed to conduct reconnaissance operations. The following day, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi observed the exercise, where images of robot dogs disembarking from CH-47 transport helicopters and advancing with troops made headlines.
These robot dogs are the "Vision 60," a quadruped unmanned ground vehicle (Q-UGV) developed by Ghost Robotics, headquartered in Philadelphia, USA.
Vision 60: Specifications and Capabilities
The Vision 60 is a military-grade quadruped robot with impressive specifications:
Basic Specifications:
- Weight: Approximately 51 kg (112 lbs)
- Maximum Payload: 10 kg (22 lbs)
- Walking Speed: Standard 1 m/s, fast-walk 1.6 m/s, run 2.2 m/s, sprint 3 m/s
- Continuous Walking: Approximately 3.15 hours (at 0.9 m/s)
- Standby Time: Up to 21 hours (with sensors, compute, and radio active)
- Range: Approximately 10 km (terrain and payload dependent)
Environmental Durability:
- Dust/Water Protection: IP67 rated (can withstand 1 meter submersion for 30 minutes)
- Operating Temperature: -40°C to 55°C (-40°F to 131°F)
Onboard Technology:
- NVIDIA Xavier CPU/GPU for edge computing
- 5 stereo RGB cameras and multiple Time-of-Flight sensors
- 3D LiDAR-based SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping)
- Autonomous navigation in GPS-enabled and GPS-denied environments
- Wi-Fi, 4G/LTE communications (5G under trial)
A key feature is Ghost Robotics' proprietary "blind mode" technology. Even when vision sensors are obscured by mud, rain, snow, or direct sunlight, the robot can continue walking using control systems that mimic mammalian locomotion. This allows mission completion in environments that would disable other robots.
Disaster Relief During the Noto Peninsula Earthquake
The January 2026 training wasn't Vision 60's first deployment in Japan. During the January 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake, the JGSDF's Joint Task Force (JTF) deployed robot dogs for disaster relief operations.
A Vision 60 unit nicknamed "Yamato" assisted in evacuating residents from isolated villages in Wajima City to secondary evacuation centers. After conducting operator training and reconnaissance of evacuation routes, the robot supported safe guidance of evacuees.
This unit was customized with cameras and gas detectors, provided to the Self-Defense Force by S.T. Japan (based in Chuo-ku, Tokyo), the domestic distributor for Vision 60.
Air Self-Defense Force Explores Base Security Applications
The Ground Self-Defense Force isn't alone in exploring robot dog applications. The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) has also been researching their use.
In March 2024, the JASDF announced testing of a "dog-type surveillance system" at its Base Guard Training Squadron at Hyakuri Base in Ibaraki Prefecture. Base patrol and security is a critical 24/7 mission regardless of weather, but the Self-Defense Forces face chronic personnel shortages.
Amid Japan's declining birthrate and aging population, the Air Self-Defense Force is exploring automation of base security to allow personnel to be deployed where decision-making is essential. Mitsubishi Corporation has signed a distribution agreement with Ghost Robotics for the Japanese market, and the JASDF is reportedly considering Vision 60 deployment.
Ministry of Defense Strengthens Unmanned Asset Capabilities
Robot dog adoption is part of the Ministry of Defense's broader push to strengthen "unmanned asset defense capabilities."
According to the 2025 Defense White Paper, the Ministry positions "human-machine integration" as the future of missions across all domains—land, sea, air, space, and cyber. The FY2025 budget includes 1.4 billion yen for UGV control systems and system integration research. The goal is to develop a unified platform that can control large, medium, and small UGVs for front-line reconnaissance, casualty evacuation, and supply transport by FY2027.
The Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) is also advancing research on "multi-purpose autonomous robots" capable of navigating unstructured terrain without GNSS by recognizing surrounding environments.
Concerns About Military Applications
However, military applications of robot dogs have raised concerns.
In the United States, Ghost Robotics developed a remote-operated rifle mount called "SPUR" (Special Purpose Unmanned Rifle) for the Vision 60, capable of engaging targets approximately 1.2 km away. The U.S. Marine Corps has also demonstrated rifle-equipped robot dogs.
Japan's Self-Defense Force Vision 60 units are currently unarmed, designated for reconnaissance, surveillance, and guidance support. However, as the platform is technically capable of weaponization, future operational policies warrant attention.
Additionally, robot dogs lack the olfactory and auditory capabilities of actual military or search-and-rescue dogs, making them unsuitable for locating survivors in disaster zones. Appropriate deployment based on mission requirements is essential.
Conclusion: Defense Technology in an Era of Personnel Shortages
Japan's chronic Self-Defense Force personnel shortage is worsening due to demographic decline. Unmanned ground vehicles like robot dogs are seen as promising solutions to protect personnel from dangerous missions and efficiently deploy limited human resources.
From disaster relief during the Noto Peninsula earthquake to base security and airborne reconnaissance, robot dogs are finding expanding roles. Meanwhile, ethical discussions accompanying military technology advancement cannot be avoided.
In Japan, there are various opinions about defense robots. How does your country view military robotics and unmanned systems? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
References
Reactions in Japan
Watched the parachute training video and the robot dogs look so cool! Feels like the world of sci-fi movies is becoming reality.
Didn't know they were actually used during the Noto earthquake. If it helps with disaster relief, I think it's good technology.
Bothered that it's American-made. Can't we develop domestic ones? Defense equipment should be producible in our own country.
Scary to think about a future where robot dogs are armed and sent to battlefields. Even if it's for reconnaissance now, who knows what happens later.
Considering SDF recruitment difficulties, utilizing unmanned systems like this is unavoidable. It also protects personnel safety.
The photo of it facing off with a real guard dog at Hyakuri Base is too surreal lol. The real dog probably looked confused.
Former SDF member here. Technology like this would make nighttime surveillance much easier. Human concentration has limits.
Only 3 hours of operation... seems like there are practical challenges. Guess we're waiting for battery technology to improve.
Nice that they named it 'Yamato.' Makes you feel attached to an otherwise cold robot.
IP67 dust and water resistant means it can operate in rain and snow. Fits Japan's climate well.
Spending on things like this as part of defense budget increases is questionable... I'd rather see it go to improving personnel treatment.
Wonder how it compares to Boston Dynamics' Spot. Being military-specialized, this one seems more rugged.
I support using robots for disaster relief, but hope they're cautious about developing them for combat.
Defense Minister Koizumi tried parachute training before seeing the robot dogs lol. His 'It was quite something' comment was refreshingly honest.
What if we rely too much on robots and the system gets hijacked by cyberattacks? Is that security aspect covered?
I'm local to Narashino and go watch the airborne training every year. Seems like many people came to see the robot dogs this year.
Worried that AI and robots might make war feel like a 'video game.' The gravity of taking human lives might get trivialized.
Heard my company's factory is considering something similar. Seems like civilian applications beyond military use are coming.
We use Vision 60 in the US military too. I participated in training at Nellis AFB. Reassuring that Japan as an ally uses the same platform.
In Germany, there's active debate about the ethics of military robots. As a country with a peace constitution, Japan should also discuss how far to take military robotics.
I'm Taiwanese. We welcome Japan's defense strengthening. We're also watching such technologies to counter threats from China.
Heard the British Army is also testing Vision 60. Quadruped robots have better mobility on rough terrain than wheeled ones, so they have potential.
Korea is also researching robot technology for border security with North Korea. Unmanned systems are effective in dangerous areas like the DMZ. Wish we could cooperate with Japan.
Australian firefighter here. Robots like these for bushfire reconnaissance would protect our crews. Hope to see applications beyond military to emergency services.
Work in French defense industry. Since Ghost Robotics is American, Europe should develop its own quadrupeds for strategic autonomy.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine showed the importance of drone warfare. Same for ground unmanned systems. Japan is right to prepare.
From Brazil. Advanced military tech is interesting but could become tools for authoritarian regimes to surveil and oppress citizens. Export controls are crucial.
I teach robotics at an Indian university. Vision 60's technology is impressive, but financial barriers for developing countries to acquire similar tech are significant.
Speaking from Swiss neutrality, we need international regulatory frameworks for military robots. Perhaps treaties like those for nuclear weapons.
From Egypt. In the Middle East, drone attacks are becoming routine. Technology is neutral, but depending on how it's used, it can mean peace or war.
Sweden recently joined NATO, but I'm concerned reliance on robot weapons might undermine human judgment in decisions about war.
Considering Mexico's security issues, wish robots like these could be used against drug cartels. But budget-wise, probably impossible.
Vietnamese American here. As someone from a generation that knows war, I hope any technology ultimately serves to protect human lives.
Canadian military participated in the exercise too. From a NATO standardization perspective, allies using the same platforms makes sense.