What if a robot could move like a wheeled vehicle on a clear road but switch to legs when the terrain gets difficult?
That is the idea behind DHAV-Hy, a new wheeled quadruped robot launched by Bengaluru-based deep-tech startup xTerra Robotics. The platform combines four legs with hub-drive wheels, allowing it to move quickly on relatively even surfaces while retaining the ability to handle stairs, slopes and uneven terrain. xTerra Robotics is developing DHAV-Hy for applications such as security and surveillance, industrial inspection, construction and autonomous field operations.
What is DHAV-Hy?
DHAV-Hy is a four-legged robot designed to combine the mobility of wheels with the terrain-handling capabilities of legs. On open and relatively flat surfaces, its hub-drive wheels allow the robot to travel at speeds of approximately 18 km/h, or around 5 metres per second. When the environment becomes more difficult, its legs allow it to navigate surfaces where conventional wheeled robots can struggle. This includes stairs, slopes and uneven ground.
Read More | Music-Tech Startups Are Changing How Indie Artists Build Careers
The robot has an indicative weight of around 22 kg, including its battery, making its size and mobility suited to applications that require a robotic platform to operate in different environments rather than remain confined to a controlled floor or factory setting.
Built for autonomous operations
DHAV-Hy is equipped with 360-degree 3D LiDAR and stereo-depth sensing to help it perceive its surroundings. Its software stack supports ROS2, along with software development kits for Python and C++. This gives developers a framework to build and integrate applications around the robot.
The platform can be controlled through an RF joystick or via web-based long-range teleoperation. It also supports autonomous operation for situations where a human operator cannot be expected to continuously control the robot. This could be particularly relevant in environments where the robot needs to move through large or difficult-to-access areas while remaining connected to an operator.
Where can DHAV-Hy be used?
xTerra Robotics is positioning DHAV-Hy for a range of applications, including security, surveillance, industrial inspection, construction and autonomous field operations.
Read More | India-Japan Deepen Startup Ties with Focus on Deep Tech, AI and Advanced Manufacturing
The combination of wheels and legs is particularly relevant to environments that change as the robot moves. A wheeled platform can be efficient on smooth surfaces, but its mobility can be restricted by steps, loose ground or sudden changes in elevation. A legged platform, meanwhile, can handle more complex terrain but may not offer the same speed or efficiency on open surfaces. DHAV-Hy is designed around both requirements.
From IIT Kanpur research to xTerra Robotics
The development of DHAV-Hy traces back to robotics research at IIT Kanpur, where xTerra Robotics co-founder and CEO Aditya Rajawat worked on legged robots with Professor Shakti S. Gupta and Professor Mangal Kothari from 2019.
Read More | Chandigarh University Student’s AI Startup Fovea Infotech Crosses Rs 50 Lakh Turnover in Under a Year
The research focused on autonomous and dynamic robotic systems and eventually became the foundation for xTerra Robotics. The company was formally launched in March 2023. According to xTerra Robotics, it received its first customer order within three months of its launch.
The startup was founded by five co-founders: Aditya Rajawat, Amritanshu Manu, Avinash Bhashkar, Nimesh Khandelwal and Professor Shakti S. Gupta. Rajawat is the company’s CEO, while Manu serves as COO. Bhashkar is hardware CTO, Khandelwal is software CTO and Gupta is the Chairman.
xTerra Robotics’ quadruped technology
DHAV-Hy is part of xTerra Robotics’ broader work on legged and autonomous robotic systems.
The company has developed technologies including quasi-direct-drive actuators, autonomous navigation, real-time state estimation and force control. These systems are intended to help legged robots operate in environments that are less predictable than conventional industrial settings.
Read More | Paras Defence Wins Exclusive India Rights to Build Guardian-1 Counter-Drone Interceptor
The startup also describes its SVAN M2 as India’s first commercial quadruped robot. With DHAV-Hy, xTerra is taking the quadruped concept a step further by combining legs with wheels.
Indrani Priyadarshini is a journalist and editorial professional specialising in technology, artificial intelligence, smart cities, green energy, and digital transformation. With over four years of experience in tech journalism and digital media, she is known for turning complex industry developments into clear, engaging, and insightful stories. Her expertise spans reporting, editorial strategy, digital publishing workflows, and in-depth coverage of emerging technologies shaping the future.
