SCORP: India’s First Legged Mobile Manipulator Marks a Robotics Breakthrough

India has entered a new era of advanced robotics with the launch of SCORP, the country’s first legged mobile manipulator. Developed by xTerra Robotics, a deep-tech startup incubated at IIT Kanpur, SCORP represents a major leap in indigenous innovation. The robot combines agile legged movement with intelligent manipulation, enabling it to operate safely and efficiently in complex, unstructured environments.

Why in the News?

India’s first legged mobile manipulator, named SCORP, has been unveiled by xTerra Robotics. The innovation highlights India’s growing capabilities in deep-tech robotics and advanced automation.

What Makes Legged Mobile Manipulators Important

Traditional robots struggle on uneven terrain, stairs, or disaster-hit areas. Legged mobile manipulators overcome this limitation by combining legged locomotion with a multi-degree robotic arm. This allows them not only to move across difficult surfaces but also to perform tasks such as handling tools, inspecting equipment, or managing hazardous materials. SCORP directly addresses these real-world challenges in industries and public safety operations.

xTerra Robotics and India’s Robotics Journey

xTerra Robotics has emerged as a pioneer in legged robotics. Before SCORP, the company developed the SVAN series, including SVAN M2, India’s first commercial quadruped robot. These platforms laid the technological foundation for SCORP, demonstrating India’s ability to build robust, AI-powered legged robots with indigenous engineering.

SCORP’s Mobility and Terrain Adaptability

SCORP is designed to navigate rocky ground, stairs, slopes, and narrow spaces with high stability. Its intelligent gait algorithms allow smooth movement across uneven surfaces, making it suitable for industrial sites, disaster zones, and large facilities. This unmatched mobility ensures access to areas unsafe or unreachable for humans and conventional machines.

Advanced Sensors and Precision Inspection

SCORP is equipped with high-resolution cameras and stereo depth imaging. Its robotic arm can inspect pipelines and confined spaces for corrosion or damage. Using depth cameras, it can detect fine cracks and structural weaknesses, enabling predictive maintenance and reducing risks of failure in critical infrastructure.

Active Intelligence and Object Manipulation

Unlike observation-only robots, SCORP can physically interact with its environment. It performs autonomous patrolling, detects anomalies, and uses its robotic arm to pick up, move, or inspect objects. This capability significantly improves safety by reducing human exposure in hazardous situations, making SCORP a true mobile manipulator.

Applications Across Sectors

SCORP has wide-ranging applications. It can inspect vehicle undersides, assist in automated waste collection in campuses and smart cities, and conduct routine fire safety checks such as inspecting fire extinguisher pressure. These uses highlight its versatility in both industrial and public environments.

Key Summary at a Glance

Question

Q. SCORP, India’s first legged mobile manipulator, has been developed by:

A. ISRO
B. DRDO
C. xTerra Robotics
D. BHEL