In cities across China, robotic dogs are becoming an increasingly common sight. From bustling Beijing to the serene parks of Hangzhou, these mechanical companions are showcasing their impressive capabilities—climbing stairs, navigating hills, and capturing the curiosity of onlookers. However, recent videos of these robodogs armed with guns during military exercises have sparked concerns among the companies that manufacture them.
Unitree, a prominent robotics company based in Hangzhou, has been at the forefront of developing these robotic dogs. Despite the growing interest in their machines, the company was caught off guard by footage showing their robots being used in a military context. The video, released by China’s state media, featured the People’s Liberation Army utilizing armed robodogs during joint training exercises with Cambodian forces. This unexpected development has raised questions about the potential militarization of these machines.
Duke Huang, Unitree’s marketing manager, expressed the company’s surprise: “We learned about this from the internet, just like everyone else. We didn’t know anything about it before that.” He emphasized that Unitree’s robots were not designed for military purposes, and the company is now considering ways to prevent their use in combat scenarios.
For many, these robotic dogs represent a glimpse into the future. Tech enthusiasts like Josh Yuan, who recently purchased one for £1,300, are eager to explore the possibilities of these machines. Guiding his robodog through a crowded shopping district in Beijing, Yuan shared his excitement: “I think at the moment it’s for people like me, or tech geeks and programmers. But I think in the future, it will be quite common, and humanoid robots will definitely enter people’s homes when they are more affordable.”
Unitree’s latest models offer a range of uses, from small, customizable companion dogs to larger, industrial-grade machines. These larger models are designed to assist in various industries, capable of carrying supplies, entering dangerous environments, or inspecting pipelines and infrastructure.
Despite the potential benefits, the recent military video has cast a shadow over the industry. “We can’t control how buyers use the dog after they buy it,” Huang admitted, highlighting the challenges that come with selling advanced technology. However, the company is actively exploring options to prohibit the military application of their products in the future.
As robotic dogs become more integrated into daily life in China, the debate over their ethical use continues. While these machines offer exciting possibilities for both consumers and industries, the recent incident underscores the need for careful consideration of how such technology is deployed.
Source: https://news.sky.com
