China Unveils Robotic Combat Dog in Joint Drills with Cambodia

Image Credit: CNN

In a scene reminiscent of the dystopian series “Black Mirror,” China’s military has unveiled a new use of robotics on the modern battlefield. During recent joint military drills with Cambodia, China demonstrated a robot dog equipped with an automatic rifle, showcasing the latest in robotic warfare technology.

The robot dog, seen in a video released by state broadcaster CCTV, features an automatic rifle mounted on its back, transforming this mechanical canine into a formidable combat tool. “In our urban warfare operations, it can function as a new member, taking the place of our human personnel to carry out reconnaissance, locate the adversary, and hit the objective.,” explained a soldier named Chen Wei in the video.

The two-minute clip from the China-Cambodia “Golden Dragon 2024” exercise illustrates the robot dog’s capabilities. Under remote control, it walks, hops, lies down, and moves backward. In one scenario, the rifle-armed robot leads an infantry unit into a simulated building, highlighting its potential role in urban combat operations.

This demonstration is part of a broader trend of incorporating advanced robotics into military strategies. While the military use of robot dogs and aerial drones is not new, China’s adaptation underscores its commitment to integrating intelligent unmanned equipment into its arsenal. The latter part of the video features an automatic rifle mounted under a six-rotor aerial drone, further emphasizing China’s diverse range of unmanned combat technologies.

Last year, CCTV showcased similar robotic canines during a joint exercise involving the militaries of China, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. This indicates ongoing efforts to refine and operationalize these technologies in various combat scenarios.

The deployment of robot dogs in military exercises is a clear indication of their advanced development. According to the state-run Global Times, the inclusion of these robots in joint exercises with foreign militaries suggests they have achieved a significant level of technical maturity. “New equipment is typically not introduced into a cooperative exercise with another nation, thus the robot dogs have to be at a specific technological maturity level,” an unnamed expert told the Global Times.

The United States has also explored similar technologies. In 2020, the US Air Force demonstrated the use of robotic dogs as part of its Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS), which leverages artificial intelligence and rapid data analytics to identify and counter threats. These advancements reflect a growing trend of utilizing AI and robotics to enhance military capabilities.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 highlighted the transformative impact of drones on the battlefield. Drones have become vital tools for both reconnaissance and combat, enabling forces with smaller defense budgets to challenge better-armed adversaries. The use of drones in Ukraine has shown their potential as equalizers in modern warfare, capable of taking down sophisticated military equipment like tanks and warships.

China is a leading exporter of drones, though it has recently imposed export controls on drone technology to safeguard national security and interests. Despite these restrictions, the publicity around robotic dogs demonstrates China’s commitment to advancing and showcasing its military technology.

As global conflicts evolve and technological advancements continue, the integration of robotics in military operations marks a significant shift in defense strategies. The development and deployment of these robotic systems will likely play a crucial role in future combat scenarios, reshaping the landscape of modern warfare.

This story was originally featured on CNN