this post was submitted on 28 May 2024
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cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/15911898

China has showcased robot dogs capable of firing machine guns in the latest display of its military prowess.

The remote-controlled robots were unveiled during a military training exercise conducted by China and Cambodia earlier this month.

According to a video shared by state broadcaster CCTV, the battery-operated robodogs can function independently for between two and four hours and are capable of moving forward and backward, lying down, and jumping.

They can also plan routes, approach targets, and avoid obstacles, the video said. One of the robots shown in the video was fitted with a rifle to shoot targets, according to CCTV.

Chen Wei, a Chinese soldier, told CCTV that the robot dogs will "serve as a new member in urban combat operations" and can replace the role of human soldiers in identifying and striking targets.

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[โ€“] an_onanist@lemmy.world 13 points 5 months ago (1 children)

Looks like a couple of high-school kids bought a robot from Ali Baba, 3D printed a few mounts, then added a gun and a gopro.

[โ€“] Emperor@feddit.uk 11 points 5 months ago

You may not be far off:

The robot dogs appeared to be supplied by the Chinese manufacturer Unitree, Axios said. The robot dogs on Unitree's website cost between $2,800 and $100,000.

So, yes, they have adapted commercially available robots. Handy for a proof-of-concept before you start manufacturing bespoke ones.