Answer to modern warfare: cheap and very simple military robots?

Question

Nothing fancy such as a shape shifter or a device that would carry itself with robotic legs. Instead, a very simple design.

A small sphere slightly larger than a tennis ball has a gyroscope/ shape shifter (robot that forms a shape such as a pyramid with 'legs'---a change of length in the legs means a change in the center of gravity therefore making the ball roll forward in a certain direction) at its core. The gyroscope would 'spin' the ball forward in a certain direction as well as measure its motion. The gyroscope and shape shifter would be very cheap. Additionally to all this hardware there is an explosive such as a grenade, that is programmed to explode when the ball reaches its 'target'..

The ball rolls/ zig zags in fast motion as it approaches its target, causing the target to have difficulty shooting at it due to its random/fast motion and the small size of the robot. When the robot reaches a fairly close distance...it explodes...usually with the aim of killing more than

one target. It can go up walls with a 'gecko' type of coated surface, to go through windows and it has a small camera so the operator can mark targets and initiate programs/explosion when fit.

it would be operated through a wireless connection--as someone on the other side sets parameters when to initiate a program sequence --say, once a color marker is set for the target...and the sequence is a random forward zig zag motion.

There could be other robots that would service others in a synergistic fashion. Say, a helicopter like robot with a grenade launcher can shoot these balls into windows, which in turn get their energy from a truck....

They in turn drop 'energy charges' which service the balls....say, in a jungle like enviroment.

The balls that roll foward could be fairly simple but very expensive at taking out strong resistance in a tight area. The balls could also be fitted with say, things like tear-gas, etc. Combined with special forces could be proved effective.

At this technological stage--it seems

The problem with legs is speed, and its high maintenance and cost, its fragility---as well as the things that can go wrong with something as complex as a robotic leg.

Problem with wheels is its inflexibility, and usually its easy identification and targetability.

A sphere offers the ability of rapid zig zag motion which would make it hard for the attacker to effectively destroy it...and its simplicity, cost-effectiveness would allow its mass production--

It seems also very useful to destroy targerts..since its basically a 'walking mine'

*inexpensive...at taking out..*

above, instead of expensive

the wireless connection:

have the flying robot---shoot relays onto buildings...the flying robot itself then acts as another relay...the connection is made between the ball robot, the relay, the flying robot and the station. If connection is lost, the robot can be programmed to blow up at whatever shoots at it.

Answer 1

ok. nothing in that description seemed simple or cheap when compared to the Talon robots they already have.
http://www.foster-miller.com/lemming.htm

Answer 2

So, then we could have endless wars fought by video geeks. You see there is a reason why war is and should be the last option of any civilized state. Because when people die and casualties mount people understand that fighting really doesn't accomplish much in the end the same problem(s) that started the present conflict are still there. In many circumstances they are much worse.

Answer 3

yes, I have mentioned that very same topic here before.