As the new leg in ground forces, China is developing quadrupedal robot swarms with teaming capabilities.
A promotional video from Zhuhai Airshow 2024 shows 13 quadrupedal robots with different combat loads teaming up, with each unit assigned its own role.
Two of the robots are armed with an assault rifle, while others carry what appear to be cameras for scouting.
China has been working on making combat-capable quadrupedal robots to operate alongside soldiers.
Such robots can be sent into places where there is a risk of ambush or scouting, which is difficult due to terrain or enemy detection chances.
Unlike UGVs, they can traverse rough terrain more easily due to their similarity with four-legged animals, which has earned such types of robots "robot dogs" worldwide.
Additionally, the flexible form of quadruped robots allows for easy carriage and concealment by folding.
Thus, these systems shouldn't be viewed as counterparts to UGVs, which are being developed with the intent of carrying heavy weapons, logistics, or patrolling.
