China unveils armed, pack-hunting ‘robot wolves’ in chilling demonstration
Atharva Gosavi
China has achieved a new stage of development after deploying its new ‘robot wolves’ in a human-drone collaboration exercise.
This marks the quadrupedal robot’s first appearance in a Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) drill shown to the public.
According to state broadcaster CCTV, the robots are an upgrade from the earlier robot dogs and can replace human soldiers in life-threatening conditions to reduce combat casualties.
All about the training
Two motorized infantry companies from PLA’s 76th Group Army participated in this military exercise, specially for integrating unmanned devices into traditional assault tactics.
The training activities included precision strikes, reconnaissance, and coordinated breakthroughs supported by robot wolves and aerial drones in a hilly area.
The footage broadcast by China Central Television (CCTV) showed soldiers with QBZ-191 rifles and portable rocket launchers moving in a disciplined formation alongside robot wolves, which carried similar weapons. In a video posted by CCTV on Wednesday, the newest iteration of the robot wolf also carried a rifle on its back.
These robots walked, climbed, and maintained the pace with infantry, simulating a coordinated ground advance.
The ground robots also had FPV drones flying around them, operated by soldiers concealed in ghillie suits, who conducted reconnaissance and mock suicide attacks during the session.
“This exercise marks the first time I have commanded and operated the robot wolf,” said Hu Te, a brigade member, according to the report.
“Our primary-level companies aim to use the newly commissioned unmanned equipment well, and integrate them with humans,” he continued.
A brief history
The robot wolves were first introduced to the world in the Airshow China 2024; they weighed 154 pounds (70 kilograms) and were developed by China South Industries Group Corporation. They are designed for multipurpose activities, such as armed assault, surveillance, transport, and support.
The robot wolves have high mobility and adaptability in complex terrains. It can operate alongside human soldiers and climb ladders and overcome high obstacles.
The robot wolves can coordinate with humans in networked formations and enhance combat operations in urban environments, plateaus, and mountainous regions.
A military view point
Chinese military analyst Fu Qianshao said that the robots could have had an even more effective impact on the battlefield than aerial drones. Recently, Ukrainian forces claimed to capture Russian troops, relying solely on drones and ground-based robotic systems.
Fu also explained that facing robots in combat situations can affect the mental strength of the opposition, weakening it to a certain degree. That is because even if the soldiers try to neutralize these machines, they would still advance relentlessly and pose a significant threat.
As China pushes the boundaries of man-machine warfare, the rise of robot wolves signals a future where the frontlines may be filled not with soldiers—but with steel, sensors, and silent precision.
Atharva Gosavi
China has achieved a new stage of development after deploying its new ‘robot wolves’ in a human-drone collaboration exercise.
This marks the quadrupedal robot’s first appearance in a Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) drill shown to the public.
According to state broadcaster CCTV, the robots are an upgrade from the earlier robot dogs and can replace human soldiers in life-threatening conditions to reduce combat casualties.
All about the training
Two motorized infantry companies from PLA’s 76th Group Army participated in this military exercise, specially for integrating unmanned devices into traditional assault tactics.
The training activities included precision strikes, reconnaissance, and coordinated breakthroughs supported by robot wolves and aerial drones in a hilly area.
The footage broadcast by China Central Television (CCTV) showed soldiers with QBZ-191 rifles and portable rocket launchers moving in a disciplined formation alongside robot wolves, which carried similar weapons. In a video posted by CCTV on Wednesday, the newest iteration of the robot wolf also carried a rifle on its back.
These robots walked, climbed, and maintained the pace with infantry, simulating a coordinated ground advance.
The ground robots also had FPV drones flying around them, operated by soldiers concealed in ghillie suits, who conducted reconnaissance and mock suicide attacks during the session.
“This exercise marks the first time I have commanded and operated the robot wolf,” said Hu Te, a brigade member, according to the report.
“Our primary-level companies aim to use the newly commissioned unmanned equipment well, and integrate them with humans,” he continued.
A brief history
The robot wolves were first introduced to the world in the Airshow China 2024; they weighed 154 pounds (70 kilograms) and were developed by China South Industries Group Corporation. They are designed for multipurpose activities, such as armed assault, surveillance, transport, and support.
The robot wolves have high mobility and adaptability in complex terrains. It can operate alongside human soldiers and climb ladders and overcome high obstacles.
The robot wolves can coordinate with humans in networked formations and enhance combat operations in urban environments, plateaus, and mountainous regions.
A military view point
Chinese military analyst Fu Qianshao said that the robots could have had an even more effective impact on the battlefield than aerial drones. Recently, Ukrainian forces claimed to capture Russian troops, relying solely on drones and ground-based robotic systems.
Fu also explained that facing robots in combat situations can affect the mental strength of the opposition, weakening it to a certain degree. That is because even if the soldiers try to neutralize these machines, they would still advance relentlessly and pose a significant threat.
As China pushes the boundaries of man-machine warfare, the rise of robot wolves signals a future where the frontlines may be filled not with soldiers—but with steel, sensors, and silent precision.
Similar Readings (5 items)
China state-run TV airs military drill featuring robot dogs, AI-equipped drones
China unveils home-made latest military drone ahead of air show in Guangdong
Taiwan shows media military drills simulating enemy landing
China's military starts 3-day exercises around Taiwan
Chinese military conducts drills around Taiwan
Summary
China showcases new 'robot wolves' in PLA drill, marking their debut in a human-drone collaboration exercise. These quadrupedal robots, an upgrade from earlier robot dogs, can replace soldiers in dangerous situations to reduce combat casualties. The military exercise involved precision strikes,