Chó Robot: Changing the Face of Warfare?
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Introduction
Robots have come a long way in recent years, and their potential in various fields is being explored more than ever. One area of interest is the military, where robot dogs developed by China have been making headlines. These four-legged machines serve as both unique pets and carry out basic tasks like fetching discs for athletes. But their capabilities extend beyond that.
The Rise of Robot Dogs
According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), recent Chinese military footage reveals that these robot dogs have been equipped with weapons and deployed in direct military exercises. Critics argue that these video demonstrations are mainly for promotional purposes, as the compact size of the robots limits their ability to handle the recoil of standard firearms, let alone match the speed and accuracy of a trained soldier.
However, others see great potential in this emerging technology and believe it could revolutionize warfare in the future. A study on the “feasibility of a four-legged attack platform” published in the Chinese Journal of Engineering by scientist Xu Cheng and his team suggests that the US military has not fully utilized the potential of these robot dogs in combat.
The Dilemma of Ethics
While China has made remarkable advancements in robot dog technology, other countries have also experimented with using robotic canines in battle. As early as 2015, Boston Dynamics developed a large four-legged robot for the US military. However, due to factors such as excessive noise and other limitations, the technology has not progressed beyond the testing phase.
In 2020, Boston Dynamics introduced Spot, a civilian robot dog priced between $70,000 and $140,000. Meanwhile, China has caught up significantly in robot dog technology. These Chinese robot dogs can now navigate staircases, perform acrobatic flips, overcome obstacles like rubbish dumps or tropical rainforests, and sustain continuous operation for nearly four hours while carrying a load of up to 20kg.
Thanks to China’s thriving electronics industry and well-established supply chains, the price of a Chinese robot dog has dropped significantly to around $3,000, even lower than the price of a battery pack for the Spot model.
However, it is important to note that just because Chinese robot dogs are now cheaper and more advanced does not mean they are ready for immediate combat. From widely released photographs, it seems that the US military simply adds weapons to the robot dogs for testing purposes. Chinese scientists argue that this approach is misguided.
The Mechanics of Combat
In their research, Professor Xu Cheng and his team present a detailed solution for mounting weapons on robot dogs. Their proposed weapon mount is simple in structure, cost-effective, and enhances the dog’s overall performance. The mount allows the machine gun to freely aim while effectively absorbing the recoil from continuous firing.
Furthermore, the fact that the US military purchases robot dogs from foreign countries may limit their understanding of the internal workings and capabilities of these dogs. In China, with the support of advanced AI technology and the unmanned aerial vehicle industry, these challenges have been addressed.
However, an anonymous AI researcher in Beijing believes that the most significant challenge in deploying combat-ready robot dogs lies not in technology but in ethics. As AI technology rapidly advances, the decision-making abilities of robot dogs will increase and potentially surpass ethical boundaries.
“They will soon reach a point where they can independently decide whether humans are friend or foe. The moral dilemma then becomes whether or not to pull the trigger,” the researcher said.
In conclusion, the development of robot dogs for military purposes is a fascinating field of innovation. While the Chinese have made significant strides in this area, other countries, including the United States, are also exploring the potential of robotic canines. As technology continues to progress, it remains to be seen how these advancements will shape the future of warfare and the ethical considerations that come with it.
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Disclaimer: The statements and views expressed in this article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial advice. Please consult with a professional advisor before making any financial decisions.