China participated in a joint military drill with Cambodia in 2024 and used it as an opportunity to introduce its newest addition to the military team – robotic dogs.
These machine canines have a rifle mounted on their back, equipping them to assist human soldiers in various rescue operations. If you’re curious about this latest recruit in the Chinese army, read the full article below.
Meet the New Recruits
The Chinese army deployed technologically advanced robot dogs during the Golden Dragon-2024 joint exercise. The first robot weighed 15 kg and had a powerful 4D super-wide-angle sensing system.
It featured a power system and battery that offered an endurance of up to two to four hours. A bigger robot dog was also introduced weighing 50kg. The bigger robot canine can conduct armed assault missions.
Operational Efficiency
One of the most notable highlights of this robot canine is that it can perform maneuvers similar to those of real dogs. You can see the robot dog moving forward, backward, jumping, crouching, etc. It can also independently identify movement routes to reach its target fast while avoiding obstacles.
Need for a Human Operator
While robot dogs are technologically advanced and equipped to perform various tasks, they need human instructions to achieve the intended task. For instance, the Chinese troops constantly operated the robot dogs throughout the joint drill using a remote control. With proper monitoring and command, robot dogs managed to conduct reconnaissance on the outer area of the streets. It continued sending real-time data on the obstacles encountered on the way, prompting the operators to handle the situation accordingly.
Replacing Human Soldiers
The Chinese army deployed their robot dogs in a training session with many fake armed terrorists hiding in a building. Their robot dogs carried QBZ assault rifles on their back and succeeded in spearheading an assault after tactfully entering the building and clearing the area. This impressive performance received applause and impressed many. A member of the Chinese forces participating in the drill said that these robot dogs can replace human teammates and conduct successful reconnaissance and attack. These dogs have already become a part of their urban operations.
Cost and Drawbacks
While the precise procurement source of these robots remains unclear, a branding of Unitree Robotics on the machine canine’s side hints at the company being the supplier. According to their website, robot dogs like the ones used in China-Cambodia drills start at $1,600. Besides the seemingly high cost for one robot dog, their heaviness is another drawback. There are hardly any sleek pieces of hardware, and it may become disadvantageous at some point in time in the future.
High Technological Prowess
New machines or equipment are generally not allowed in joint drills with another country. Hence, the introduction of 15 kg and 50 kg robot dogs in the China-Cambodia drill highlights that the Chinese army tested different types of robot dogs for years before introducing their most advanced and technically mature machines in 2024. These dogs feature sophisticated technology and tactics required to enter the battlefield.
Role of Robot Dogs
While the role of robot dogs can evolve with technological advancements, their current role focuses on enhancing combat efficiency and reducing casualties. You can see these machine canines rescuing hostages in urban regions, eliminating enemies in mountainous areas, facilitating maritime anti-hijacking, etc.
Suspense around Manufacturing
The robot dogs featured Unitree Robotics branding on the side, which made many question whether it was the same company that built and supplied these sophisticated machines to the Chinese military. However, Unitree Robotics outright denied selling their robots to the Chinese army. As of now, the source of the robot dog procurement remains a mystery.
Ethical and Operational Concerns
While robot dogs can be a game-changing addition to the Chinese army’s military might, critics are raising serious concerns about their inclusion in military operations. They warn that using autonomous weapon systems like robot dogs will have unintended consequences. Potential violations of international humanitarian laws are also on the cards. Military ethics experts believe these systems must be used under strict guidelines and an oversight mechanism must be implemented to ensure fair usage.
