Uttar Pradesh
India’s first legged mobile manipulator developed with IIT Kanpur’s support
- 16 Jan 2026
- 2 min read
Why in News?
Researchers at IIT Kanpur unveiled SCORP (Four-legged Collaborative Robotic Platform), India's first indigenous legged mobile manipulator.
Key Points:
- SCORP: It is India’s first legged mobile manipulator, a cutting-edge robot combining the mobility of a quadruped (“robot dog”) platform with the versatility of a robotic arm (manipulator).
- Development: It has been developed by an Indian startup called xTerra Robotics with assistance from IIT Kanpur marking a significant milestone in the country’s robotics capabilities.
- Manipulation Capability:Along with locomotion, SCORP carries a robotic arm that can grasp tools, inspect objects, and interact with the environment, extending its usefulness beyond simple movement.
- Indigenous Technology: Developed under the Technology Innovation Hub (TIH) at IIT Kanpur, the robot utilizes locally designed actuators and control systems, aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission.
- Applications: SCORP is designed for high-risk environments such as disaster zones, industrial sites, tunnels, or areas unsafe for humans where its mobility and manipulation can reduce danger to human workers.
- Space Exploration: Future adaptations could serve as planetary rovers for exploring rocky lunar or Martian surfaces.
- Significance: SCORP places India in an elite group of nations developing advanced legged robotics, reducing dependence on expensive imports.
| Read More: Atmanirbhar Bharat |
