Rise of the ‘wolf pack’: China’s canine robots evolve to think as one for urban combat

China’s military canine robots have evolved into intelligent “wolf packs” with specialised roles and a shared “brain” to coordinate complex tasks in urban warfare, according to state media.

Compared with earlier models deployed and tested by the People’s Liberation Army, these “robot wolves” have achieved a transformational leap from a “single-soldier support system to a coordinated swarm combat platform”, state broadcaster CCTV said in a documentary series episode that aired on Thursday.

The series Unmanned Competition, which debuted this week, features the latest developments in China’s unmanned weapon systems. It highlights the PLA’s new sea, air and land drones, as well as the artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities of its anti-drone weapons, including smart laser platforms.

In a simulated urban clearing operation, the wolf pack operates through a shared sensing network, which acts like a collective brain allowing for autonomous collaboration and joint decision-making within the group, according to the report. The pack can also integrate with drones for coordinated air-ground operations.

Like real wolves, members of the robot pack have different roles. The Shadow variant is tasked with reconnaissance and real-time situational awareness, while the Bloody handles target neutralisation and the Polar variant is for support and logistical backing. The Bloody can be equipped with an array of weapons, including micro-missiles, grenade launchers and 191 automatic rifles, according to the report.

The robots can be controlled through terminal consoles, by voice and with a tactical glove or control stick mounted on the rifle. Compared with their predecessors, they feature more flexible joints, a top speed of up to 15km/h (9mph), a heavier payload capacity of 25kg (55lbs), improved endurance in extreme environments and greater adaptability to diverse terrain, according to CCTV.

South China Morning Post