Skyborne Technologies, an Australian military technology company, unveiled its new armed robotic dog platform during AUSA 2025.
The system, formally named Controller-Operated Direct Action Quadruped (CODiAQ), is designed to deliver precision direct fire using Skyborne’s proprietary payloads while remaining lightweight, low-cost, and easy to operate.
The CODiAQ presented at AUSA was equipped with HAVOC 40mm and CHAOS 12GA launchers. The system was funded by the Directorate of Irregular Warfare Capability Development and Innovation under the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict [OASD(SO/LIC)].
According to the company, the CODiAQ was “built specifically for the warfighter” and can be deployed in minutes to engage multiple targets in complex terrain.
The system is operated by a single user via a handheld controller, integrating AI-powered optical recognition and real-time targeting algorithms through its Tactical Electronic Optic Box (TEOB).
Thanks to its technology, the CODiAQ is capable of autonomous movement and can operate over rough or wooded terrain, as well as stairs and other urban obstacles. The platform is water- and dust-resistant, making it suitable for varied environments and expeditionary use.
Skyborne emphasized that the system requires minimal training time, allowing rapid integration into infantry units.
The CODiAQ is described by the company as a force multiplier, providing a tactical human-machine partnership on the battlefield, especially given its ability to integrate with larger systems such as Skyborne’s Cerberus MI sUAS.
Additionally, the CODiAQ AI software supports both day and night operations with onboard computing for autonomous threat identification and ballistic calculation, enhancing operator situational awareness and reducing manual targeting workload.
Providing greater mission flexibility, the system can also be configured for lethal or less-lethal payloads, depending on the mission profile and rules of engagement.
“It is about giving soldiers a mobile, lethal resource that they can intuitively control — and trust in close combat,” the company said in a statement.
According to Skyborne, the platform is already being used by U.S. government partners for evaluation in irregular warfare roles, reconnaissance, and mobile fire support.
“Our goal is to provide lightweight, cost-effective direct fire options that support maneuver forces without increasing soldier risk or logistical burden,” Skyborne added.
Photo: Skyborne Technologies. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
