In a scene reminiscent of the dystopian series “Black Mirror,” China has introduced a new adaptation of robotics for the battlefield: a robot dog equipped with an automatic rifle. This cutting-edge development was showcased during recent military drills with Cambodia, highlighting China’s advancements in unmanned combat technology.
During the “Golden Dragon 2024” exercise, a video released by state broadcaster CCTV demonstrated the robot dog’s capabilities. The footage showed the mechanical canine walking, hopping, lying down, and moving backwards under the control of a remote operator. In one drill, the rifle-equipped robot dog led an infantry unit into a simulated building, effectively replacing human soldiers for reconnaissance and enemy engagement. “It can serve as a new member in our urban combat operations, replacing our (human) members to conduct reconnaissance and identify (the) enemy and strike the target,” said a soldier identified as Chen Wei in the video.
The video also featured an automatic rifle mounted under a six-rotor aerial drone, showcasing China’s diverse range of intelligent unmanned equipment. The military application of robot dogs and small aerial drones is not a new concept. For instance, a CCTV video from last year highlighted China’s rifle-armed robotic canines during a joint exercise with the Chinese, Cambodian, Lao, Malaysian, Thai, and Vietnamese militaries.
The use of robotic dogs in military operations echoes similar developments in other countries. In 2020, the US Air Force demonstrated the use of robotic dogs as part of its Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS), which integrates artificial intelligence and rapid data analytics to detect and counter threats to US military assets. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, drones have become ubiquitous on the battlefield, demonstrating their potential as great equalizers. Affordable, remotely controlled vehicles have proven capable of neutralizing sophisticated military equipment such as tanks and warships.
China, a leading exporter of drone technology, imposed export controls on drone technology last year to safeguard national security and interests. Despite these restrictions, the robotic dogs have garnered significant attention for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The mechanical canines have appeared on China’s heavily regulated social media platforms for at least a year, indicating their growing prominence.
According to the state-run Global Times, the deployment of robotic dogs in joint exercises with foreign militaries suggests that the technology is in an advanced stage of development. An unnamed expert quoted by the Global Times stated, “Usually, a new equipment will not be brought into a joint exercise with another country, so the robot dogs must have reached a certain level of technical maturity.“
The introduction of rifle-wielding robot dogs marks a significant milestone in the evolution of military robotics. As these technologies continue to develop, they promise to reshape the landscape of modern warfare, raising both strategic opportunities and ethical considerations.
