Pentagon wants a robot dog that maps toxic air in 3D

The Defense Threat Reduction Agency intends to purchase a prototype quadruped robot capable of mapping hazardous airborne chemicals in three dimensions. An October 7 notice proposes a sole-source, firm-fixed-price contract with Rocky Mountain Unmanned Systems (RMUS) to integrate a government-provided multi-gas detector onto a commercial robotic platform. The prototype would combine lidar surveying, tactical mesh communications and data-fusion software to associate chemical measurements with a three-dimensional map of the surrounding environment. The requirement covers one prototype, with capability statements due October 22; no contract value, specific robot model or delivery date was announced.