Robots are not just playing a visible role in industry and featuring in films but also helping foot soldiers and fighter pilots in highly challenging situations.

Both in peace time as well as operations, robotic platforms allow the most accurate application in ensuring precise use of manpower and reduce threat levels drastically, said Lt Gen Gurmukh Singh, Commandant, MCEME.

With the battlefield becoming increasingly transparent with the use of high technology sensors and integration of technology for real-time updates, a modern-day soldier, apart from possessing key fighting skills must be conversant and equipped with technology, he said in his keynote address at the SEMSIM 2015 seminar here today.

Lagging in simulators India is currently one of the top 10 defence spenders globally, but its armed forces are not among the best in the use of training simulators. They have a long way to go in terms of being equipped with a wide array of technology strengths, speakers at the seminar on ‘Emerging concepts and innovative technologies in military simulation and robotics’ said.

Live training, which is the norm in the forces at present, will become increasingly difficult as the costs of military hardware are growing steadily. There is a need for simulators, virtual and embedded training, said Rajesh Gandhi, Head, Air Defence Programme, L&T.

The private sector is able to contribute and collaborate with the security forces in the development of simulators and training, using the latest technologies, said Ashok Atluri, Managing Director of Zen Technologies Ltd, one of the leaders in this technology.

Wide application World over, simulators play multiple roles and find many applications. From realistic depiction of battle conditions to driving and flying simulators, they are used for testing missiles, decision making, equipment management and training medical personnel, said Gurmukh Singh, while expressing confidence that the Indian military training will experience exponential growth in adopting simulators and robotics.

Experts from the defence industry, research and development, academia and top ranking officials from the defence forces are discussing key issues of technology that will enhance the combat potential of the country’s forces drastically to face any eventuality.

somasekhar.m@thehindu.co.in

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