Australian company Marathon-Robotics has invented a free ranging robotics target system for live fire training using the Segway platform. Rover as its called, is a hardened Segway robotic platform topped with a life size ballistic mannequin that can be programmed to travel across any given training environment as a target.

Each Segway based training platform is fitted with GPS and laser navigation. When hit with live ammunition, the target platform stops and falls backwards letting the shooter know that he has scored a hit. Once hit, each targeting platform alerts other surrounding platforms telling them to scatter and take cover.

Hundreds of training scenarios can be programmed into the robotic system for various training exercises and the platforms can be all sizes, shapes, and move at varying speeds making them more challenging to hit. The Australian military began using the system in 2008 to train snipers. Marathon is currently in the process of marketing the system to the U.S. Army.