Robotic dogs take over Chinese cities

Robotic dogs are swiftly transitioning from futuristic novelties to practical companions in the bustling streets of China’s tech-savvy cities.

From Beijing to Hangzhou, robotic dogs are increasingly becoming a common sight in parks and urban spaces, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

These agile machines can navigate stairs and tackle hills with ease, showcasing their versatility and advanced technology.   Josh Yuan demonstrated his robotic dog in one of Beijing's upscale shopping districts, guiding it effortlessly through a crowd of intrigued onlookers using a handheld remote control. Yuan purchased his robotic companion a few months ago for £1,300.   "I believe right now, these robots are primarily for tech enthusiasts and programmers like myself," Yuan remarked. "However, as they become more affordable, I foresee humanoid robots becoming a common fixture in households."  

China is home to numerous robotics companies, with several, like Hangzhou's Unitree, specializing in robotic dogs. The Unitree team recently showcased their latest models: a smaller, versatile robot ideal for companionship or playful costumes, and a larger, robust model capable of carrying a person on its back. Designed primarily for industrial applications, these robotic dogs are engineered to carry supplies, assist in emergencies, and inspect pipelines and infrastructure. However, they recently garnered unwanted attention when China’s state media showcased them in military training exercises, where they were outfitted with weapons and used in drills alongside Cambodian forces.  

Unitree, a prominent robotics company in Hangzhou, expressed surprise at the video, with their marketing manager, Duke Huang, stating, “We discovered this footage online, just like everyone else. We were unaware of its existence before this.”   Though these robots are not intended for military use, the video stirred controversy. Huang added, “While we cannot control how buyers use the robots after purchase, we are considering measures to prevent military applications in the future.”   Despite the unsettling imagery, Unitree believes that robodogs are unlikely to become a battlefield staple. Huang pointed out, “The robot is not highly intelligent; it is quite simple and still relies on human control. It does not possess autonomous decision-making capabilities.”  

P.W. Singer, a strategist at the US think tank New America who specializes in modern warfare, notes that "nearly every advancement in AI and robotics seen in the civilian sector is finding its way into military applications." He observes that “the technologies now in use are early-stage developments, akin to the biplanes of World War I compared to future advancements in aviation.”   In contrast, in the tech-centric cities of China, robotic dogs are still seen as a novel attraction or luxury toy.

They can run at speeds of up to 16 miles per hour, perform tricks, and communicate simple messages in English or Chinese. For many, such as Hangzhou resident Silver, the sight of these robotic canines is nothing short of enchanting. "When I first saw it, it felt magical," Silver remarked. "I could hardly believe it."