China's Shooting Robot Dogs: What It Means For A World In Conflict

Attention, tech enthusiasts and curious minds alike! Prepare to be amazed because we've got some groundbreaking news: China has unleashed a fleet of robotic dogs that are causing quite a stir in the tech world!

Lexica| Representational Image

These four-legged marvels aren't your average gadgets ¨C they serve multiple roles as electronic pets and athlete assistants, easily carrying gear. But hold onto your seats because it gets even more thrilling: the Chinese military has showcased footage of these armed robo-pups in live military exercises.

It's like a scene ripped straight from a sci-fi blockbuster, and we're here to spill all the futuristic details!

Can robot dogs be effectively utilised in combat roles?

Critics have labelled the video as propaganda, citing concerns about the robots' suitability for handling firearms due to their build. They argue that the recoil of standard firearms and the precision and speed required for firing makes them ill-suited for combat.

Representational Image| Thinkstock

However, some experts acknowledge the potential of this technology to revolutionise warfare. Last year, the US Marine Corps acquired several units of Chinese-made robotic dogs to assess their combat effectiveness. Although the results of the evaluation remain undisclosed, a study by Chinese scientists suggests that these robots may outperform seasoned troops in firearm handling.

Feasibility of employing robot dogs for combat roles

Lead scientist Xu Cheng and his team published their findings in the Chinese Journal of Engineering, asserting the feasibility of using legged platforms for combat. According to Xu, the US military may struggle to optimise the use of these robotic dogs on the battlefield.

Xu, a professor of mechanical engineering at Nanjing University of Science and Technology and vice-president of the Chinese Light Weapons Society, has faced scrutiny due to the university's close ties with the Chinese military.

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In their study, Xu's team equipped a robotic dog with a 7.62mm machine gun capable of firing 750 rounds per minute, along with a shock-absorbing mount, automatic reloading system, and optoelectronic sight. The robotic dog fired 10-round bursts at a human-sized target 100 meters (328 feet) away, demonstrating high accuracy in hitting vital areas like the heart.

Thus, the development of armed robotic dogs by China presents both technological advancements and potential implications for future military strategies, warranting continued observation and analysis by global defence entities.

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