SCORP Robot: India Unveils Its First Indigenous Legged Mobile Manipulator

India Unveils SCORP, Its First Indigenous Legged Mobile Manipulator

India has taken a notable leap in advanced robotics with the unveiling of SCORP , the country’s first legged mobile manipulator , developed by deep-tech startup xTerra Robotics . Incubated at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur , the robot represents India’s growing capability to design sophisticated autonomous systems capable of operating in complex, unstructured, and hazardous environments.

Why Legged Mobile Manipulators Matter

Legged mobile manipulators combine the mobility of legged robots with the dexterity of robotic arms , enabling them to move and act where conventional wheeled or tracked robots struggle. Such systems can climb stairs, traverse rubble, navigate uneven industrial floors, and operate on slopes, while simultaneously performing physical manipulation tasks.

This dual capability makes them especially valuable for disaster response, industrial inspection, hazardous material handling, and defence-related operations , where direct human intervention is either dangerous or impractical.

From Quadrupeds to SCORP

SCORP is the result of xTerra Robotics’ steady evolution in legged robotics. The company’s earlier SVAN series laid the groundwork for robust quadrupedal locomotion. The SVAN M1 demonstrated stable movement, while the SVAN M2 emerged as India’s first commercial quadruped robot with AI-enabled mapping, perception, and autonomous navigation.

Building on this foundation, SCORP integrates a multi-degree-of-freedom robotic arm onto a legged base, transforming the robot from a passive observer into an active system capable of interacting with and manipulating its surroundings.

Mobility, Sensing and Intelligent Action

SCORP is designed for omnidirectional movement across rugged and multi-level terrain. Advanced gait control algorithms allow it to maintain balance and stability on gravel, inclines, and cluttered industrial surfaces.

The robot is equipped with stereo depth cameras and other advanced sensors , enabling close-range inspection of pipelines, machinery, and infrastructure. It can detect cracks, corrosion, and structural defects, generating high-quality data for predictive maintenance .

Its robotic arm allows SCORP to pick up objects, manipulate tools, and handle potentially hazardous materials , significantly reducing human exposure to risk.

Expanding Applications in Industry and Safety

SCORP’s use cases span industrial safety audits, vehicle inspection, automated waste handling, fire safety checks, and autonomous patrolling . The system enables persistent monitoring and precision intervention, strengthening infrastructure management, industrial automation, and public safety.

As a fully indigenous platform, SCORP also aligns with India’s broader push for technological self-reliance and leadership in next-generation robotics.

Key Exam-Focused Points

• SCORP is India’s first legged mobile manipulator .

• Developed by xTerra Robotics , incubated at IIT Kanpur .

• Legged mobile manipulators combine legged mobility with robotic arms .

• Useful in industrial inspection, disaster response, defence, and infrastructure monitoring .

• Represents India’s advancement in