China unveils ‘war dog’ robots with machine guns mounted on their backs – and trainers must ‘keep them on a leash’

CHINA has tested its newest military addition – robot dogs equipped with machine guns on their backs.

The machine-gun robots are carrying out drills for a 15-day exercise called Golden Dragon with Chinese and Cambodian troops.

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The Golden Dragon was held in the central province of Kampong Chhnang and in the sea off Preah Sihanouk province, França-Presse Agency reported last week.

The training mission consists of over 2,000 soldiers, 14 warships, two helicopters and 69 armored vehicles/tanks alongside remote-controlled four-legged robot dogs with automatic rifles.

Troops are also working on live-fire, anti-terrorism and humanitarian rescue exercises.

The machine gun robodogs reportedly did not fire any fire.

They were only demonstrated walking, not shooting, to journalists and military officers.

Commander-in-Chief of the Cambodian armed forces, Vong Pisen, said the exercises aim to increase anti-terrorism capabilities.

Cambodia insists it will never allow a foreign military base on its territory, which other leaders in the country have also stated.

After dismantling the US-funded facilities at the Ream naval base, China began financing its renovation.

Two Chinese warships docked at Ream in December for the first time after refit.

The US says the Ream base could provide China with a strategic position near the South China Sea.

Cambodian army spokesman Thong Solimo noted that China is covering the costs of the exercises.

Solimo added that the exercise is the biggest they have ever done.

WORRIED ROBOT DOGS

Some people have suggested that robot dogs used in the military provide a dystopian vision because the future of warfare could involve armed drones or killer robots, The byte reported.

Experts warn that autonomous armed drones and robot dogs present significant ethical questions.

This has sparked calls for an international ban on autonomous killer robots in warfare.

However, despite ethical concerns, military forces and local authorities in the US are investing in this technology.

They argue that the use of armed drones could save human lives.

But some companies, like Spot Mini robot dogs, have promised to stay away from strapping weapons to their robot dogs.

“We promise that we will not weaponize our advanced mobility general-purpose robots or the software we develop that enables advanced robotics, and we will not support others in doing so,” Spot Mini robot dogs said in a statement. declaration.