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China's latest weapon of war is a gun-toting robot dog (www.businessinsider.com)

submitted 5 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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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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[–] [email protected] 3 points 5 months ago

After thinking about a bit, it does kind of make sense. If the intent is to deploy these with an infantry unit, then equipping it with the rifle that the infantry are already using is convenient. Same ammunition, same magazine, same replacement parts, same maintenance routine - no additional training or logistics required. Any member of the unit is already able to reload and field strip that weapon.

But yes this definitely isn't a front-line combat device. It's for clearing out buildings in urban engagements.