SCORP Emerges as India’s First Legged Mobile Manipulator

India has marked a major milestone in advanced robotics with the unveiling of SCORP, the country’s first legged mobile manipulator, developed by deep-tech startup xTerra Robotics. Incubated at IIT Kanpur, SCORP showcases India’s growing capability to design sophisticated robotic systems for complex, unstructured environments, positioning the country among global leaders in specialised robotics.

Why Legged Mobile Manipulators Are Critical

Legged Mobile Manipulators combine the terrain-handling ability of legged robots with the dexterity of robotic arms. Unlike wheeled or tracked platforms, these systems can navigate stairs, rubble, slopes and uneven industrial surfaces while performing physical tasks. This makes them especially valuable in disaster zones, industrial plants, and hazardous environments where human access is risky or impossible. SCORP directly addresses these operational gaps by offering mobility and manipulation in a single indigenous platform.

Evolution from Quadrupeds to SCORP

xTerra Robotics’ journey to SCORP builds on its earlier SVAN series. The SVAN M1 validated robust quadrupedal locomotion, while the SVAN M2 became India’s first commercial quadruped robot with AI-enabled mapping, perception and planning. SCORP advances this foundation by integrating a multi-degree-of-freedom robotic arm onto a stable legged base, enabling not just observation but active physical interaction with the environment.

Mobility, Sensing and Intelligent Interaction

SCORP is engineered for omnidirectional movement across rugged and multi-level terrain. Its intelligent gait control allows stable navigation over gravel, industrial floors and inclines. Equipped with advanced sensors, including stereo depth cameras, SCORP can conduct close-range inspections of pipelines, detect cracks and structural defects, and generate precise visual data for predictive maintenance. Its robotic arm enables object pickup, manipulation and handling of potentially hazardous materials, significantly enhancing operational safety.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• SCORP is India’s first legged mobile manipulator.
• It is developed by xTerra Robotics, incubated at IIT Kanpur.
• Legged mobile manipulators combine legged mobility with robotic arms.
• Applications include industrial inspection, safety, defence and infrastructure monitoring.

Applications Across Industry, Safety and Security

SCORP’s capabilities extend to vehicle inspections, automated waste management, fire safety checks and autonomous patrolling. By reducing human exposure to hazardous tasks and enabling persistent monitoring, the system strengthens industrial automation, infrastructure management and public safety. As an indigenously developed platform, SCORP also reinforces India’s push for technological self-reliance and innovation in advanced robotics.