China Unveils Revolutionary Technology: Rifle-Equipped Robot Dog
Unveiled during China’s recent military drills with Cambodia, a cutting-edge technology has transformed man’s best friend into a formidable weapon on the battlefield. This technology, reminiscent of the dystopian show ‘Black Mirror,’ features a robot dog equipped with an automatic rifle.
Man’s Best Friend Turned Warrior
In a video released by state broadcaster CCTV, the robot dog showcased its abilities by walking, hopping, and conducting operations. According to a soldier identified as Chen Wei, this robot dog can serve as a new member in urban combat operations, conducting reconnaissance, identifying enemies, and striking targets.
The two-minute video captured during the China-Cambodia “Golden Dragon 2024” exercise demonstrated the robot dog’s remote-controlled movements, including walking, hopping, lying down, and moving backward. The video also featured a six-rotor aerial drone equipped with an automatic rifle, displaying China’s intelligent unmanned equipment.
Technological Advancements in Military Operations
While the use of robot dogs and drones in military operations is not new, China’s recent display emphasizes the technological advancements in this field. Last year, CCTV highlighted similar rifle-armed robot dogs in joint exercises involving Southeast Asian nations.
Notably, the US Air Force integrated robotic dogs into its Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) to enhance threat detection and response using artificial intelligence and rapid data analytics since 2020.
Global Impact and Attention
Amidst the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Israel war, drones have been extensively used. China, a prominent drone exporter, imposed export controls on drone technology last year for national security reasons. However, rifle-equipped robot dogs continue to attract attention both domestically and internationally.
