The hulking robotic hound, weighing over 50kg, bounded forward at the operator’s behest, an assault rifle strapped to its back.

As the training exercise moved to the close quarters combat phase, the scene was set for a lightning swift breach. Hidden within the walls of the compound were several “militants”, their weapons clutched grimly as they awaited the coming clash.

At the muffled crump of breaching charges, detonated by teams to blast open holes in the structure, the mechanized beast was unleashed as the vanguard. With a panther’s grace belied by its bulk, it darted through the writhing smoke, optics locked and trigger at the ready.

Spitting controlled bursts, it scanned and engaged targets with ruthless efficiency. Only once the area was pronounced clear did the follow-on infantry file in to complete the labor of house-to-house sifting demanded to route out any remaining fighters. Through teamwork of man and machine, the objective was achieved.

This display of armed quadruped robots, or robotic dogs, during China’s recent military exercises with Cambodia has raised alarms in the US about their potential use in future conflicts, prompting lawmakers in Washington to demand an assessment of the national security risks associated with such technology.

UniTree: new kid on the block

Congressman Vern Buchanan of Florida has introduced an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) requiring the Department of Defense to assess the risks posed by these AI-driven machines, emphasizing the need for the U.S. to maintain its technological edge. Media coverage in the West has likened these robotic dogs to “killing machines,” drawing parallels to dystopian themes in popular culture, while also highlighting their capabilities in reconnaissance and target engagement. Some of the Western critics even went so far as arguing that dogs have long been viewed as “man’s best friend,” and weaponizing robotic versions of them by Chinese military transforms a symbol of loyalty and companionship into a tool of warfare.

However, in a vivid illustration of Western hypocrisy, the US was the first nation to weaponize the robotic version of man’s best friend. In October 2021, the US company Ghost Robotics partnered with professional rifle manufacturer SWORD International to unveil a robotic dog called SPUR (Special Purpose Unmanned Rifle System). SPUR was equipped with a mounted sniper rifle, demonstrating the integration of advanced robotics with firearms capabilities. The joint product launch suggested continued progression towards deploying autonomous or semi-autonomous weaponry.

In fact, US was leading China in exploring potential military application of robotics. So, apart from the knee-jerk China-bashing from US politicians, what is the true reason that makes them so concerned?

We can find the answer in a short video clip that was shot a couple of months ago. The video presents a stair climbing challenge, the Chinese-made B2 robotic dog showed more stable performance with steadier strides and more efficient energy management. It ultimately reached the finish line first with a decisive advantage over Boston Dynamics’ Spot.

During the subsequent obstacle course competition involving scrambled items, the B2 demonstrated truly impressive agility. When it fell, it reacted quickly and was immediately able to roll over and leap back up to resume the course. In contrast, Spot simply laid immobile with curled limbs after falling, failing to recover.

In the end, the B2 robotic dog from China’s UniTree Robotics dominated the challenges, proving itself a superior robot with its smooth, swift movements and ability to recover from setbacks – emerging as a clear and flawless winner against its competitor. The tests demonstrated the advancing capabilities of Chinese robotics compared to the leading US counter-part.

Head-to-head

At first glance, the Unitree B2 catches the eye with its sleek, modern design. Unlike the utilitarian appearance of Spot, the B2 boasts a stylish look that’s as much at home in a high-tech office as it is on a rugged construction site. But it’s not just about looks – the B2’s compact structure makes it remarkably portable, a key advantage in today’s mobile-first world.

Unitree Robotics Releases Industrial Quadruped Robot B2, Breaking Through Limits with Hyper Evolution!
On November 3, Unitree Robotics released the new industrial quadruped robot B2, continuing to lead the global quadruped robot industry application.

Under the hood, the B2 packs a punch with its high-efficiency electric motors. These provide a burst of speed that leaves Spot in the dust, clocking in at a swift 8 kilometers per hour compared to Spot’s 3 miles per hour. The B2 also edges out its competitor in climbing ability, tackling slopes of over 35 degrees with ease.

Perhaps the most striking difference is in battery life. While Spot manages a respectable 90 minutes of operation, the B2 blows past this benchmark with an impressive 4-hour runtime, even when carrying a 20kg load. This extended operational time opens up new possibilities for longer, more complex missions without the need for frequent recharging.

The B2’s capabilities extend beyond industrial applications. While Spot has found its niche in sectors like construction and security, the B2 is making inroads into military, entertainment, and even educational fields. This versatility, coupled with a more affordable price point, positions the B2 as an attractive option for a broader range of users, from small businesses to tech-savvy consumers.

Equipped with better functionality at a fraction of the cost of its western competitors, robotic dogs from China have made inroads in the Western market and can boast US military as one of their customers. UniTree’s GO1 was spotted in a video footage featuring a training session of US Marines.

The Unitree Go1 robot dog with the USMC during the September test in California

Their reason for choosing Chinese product is obvious. The price tag for the standard version of the GO1 is a mere $2,700 USD, while the pro model is just $3,500 USD. By comparison, a similar product from a US manufacturer could easily set you back as much as $74,500 USD.

The robotic hound was put through its paces by the United States Marine Corps during extensive testing. In addition to evaluating basic performance metrics, Marines mounted an M72 rocket launcher on the robot to assess firepower capabilities. Remarkably, the system was still able to swiftly locate targets and launch attacks.

Breathing life into robotic dogs

Moreover, Chinese-made robotic dogs are getting smarter and more resemble to their furry cousins, leveraging the latest AI technology. In a remarkable development at Tencent Robotics X in Shenzhen, researchers have unveiled a cutting-edge approach that infuses lifelike agility and playfulness into quadrupedal robots using a sophisticated blend of Reinforcement Learning (RL) and Generative Pre-trained Models. Their research, titled “Lifelike Agility and Play in Quadrupedal Robots using Reinforcement Learning and Generative Pre-trained Models,” has been published in Nature Machine Intelligence in 2024.

The study aims to bridge the gap between animal behaviors and robotic control, drawing inspiration from nature to enhance robotic design and performance. Traditionally, achieving agile locomotion in robots has been a complex task involving physical models or handcrafted rewards tailored to specific systems. However, this new hierarchical framework introduces pre-trainable, reusable, and enrichable knowledge levels for legged robots.

The researchers first developed a primitive module that distilled insights from animal motion data. Leveraging deep generative models inspired by pre-trained models in language and image understanding, they generated motor control signals that mimicked real animal movements in legged robots. This primitive knowledge was then used to shape various traversal capabilities that align with the environment.

At a higher level, the team constructed a strategic module that focused on complex tasks by reusing knowledge from the lower levels. By applying these hierarchical controllers to the MAX robot, a quadrupedal robot developed in-house, the researchers were able to mimic animal behaviors, navigate complex obstacles, and even engage in a challenging multi-agent chase tag game, showcasing lifelike agility and strategic decision-making in robotic systems.

The development of Max began with an ingenious application of motion capture technology – the same tech that brings our favorite video game characters to life. Researchers meticulously recorded the movements of real dogs, capturing the nuances of their gait, jumps, and even the subtle shifts of weight as they stand still. This treasure trove of canine kinematics was then fed into a sophisticated neural network, creating a digital brain that could mimic the fluid grace of a four-legged friend.

But Max isn’t just mimicking – it’s learning. Through a process called imitation learning, the robot processes its environment through sensors, much like a real dog would through its senses. This allows Max to adapt its learned behaviors to new situations, bridging the gap between pre-programmed movements and true environmental interaction.

To put Max’s newly acquired skills to the test, the research team devised a thrilling challenge inspired by the high-octane sport of World Chase Tag. Picture this: two robotic dogs in a 4.5-meter square arena, dotted with obstacles, engaged in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse – or should we say, dog and dog?

In this digital dogfight, one Max takes on the role of pursuer, while the other plays the crafty evader. Add a randomly placed flag into the mix, and you’ve got a recipe for robotic rivalry that would make any gamer’s heart race. The pursuer’s goal? Catch its opponent. The evader’s mission? Touch the flag without being caught, instantly swapping roles and resetting the game board.
What makes this more than just a glorified game of tag is the level of strategic thinking displayed by these mechanical mutts. Observers have noted fascinating behaviors emerging from the robots’ AI:

•The pursuing Max, realizing it can’t catch its quarry before the flag is reached, will sometimes abandon the chase. Instead, it’ll bide its time, positioning itself strategically for when the roles inevitably reverse.

•In a display of predatory prowess, the chasing robot often launches into a dramatic pounce when closing in on its target – a behavior eerily reminiscent of wild canines on the hunt.

•Even more intriguing, these behaviors weren’t explicitly programmed. They emerged organically from the AI’s learning process, showcasing the potential for machines to develop complex strategies independently.

•Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the Max project is its ability to transfer skills learned in a virtual environment to the physical world. Using a technique called zero-shot transfer, the robots can apply knowledge gained in simulation to real-world scenarios they’ve never encountered before.

This leap from digital to physical represents a significant milestone in robotics. It suggests a future where robots can be safely and efficiently trained in virtual environments before being deployed in the real world, dramatically accelerating the development of useful robotic assistants and companions.

Concerted effort

Given the rapid progress in both software and hardware, the situation with quadruped robots might remind us of that of DJI drones. Under multiple sanctions from the US government, DJI is officially banned from federal use, including US military. However, the United States Forest Service, Coast Guard, fire departments, and drug enforcement agencies are purchasing large quantities of DJI drones every year.

Therefore, with quadruped robots, we are seeing a recurring pattern here. Again, similar to the drone industry, behind the rapid progress of Chinese quadruped robots is the strength of supply chain for electronics and machineries.

China’s robotics industry has experienced a remarkable surge in recent years, marking a new chapter in global technological advancement. For 13 consecutive years, China has led the world in industrial robot market size, capturing over half of the global market share for two years running.

At the heart of this robotic revolution lies Hangzhou, particularly its High-tech Zone (Binjiang). This innovation hub is home to the Unitree Technology and over 50 other cutting-edge robotics startups. The region’s portfolio extends beyond quadruped robots to include humanoid robots and interactive guide robots, finding applications in diverse fields such as security patrols, exploration, logistics, and public safety.

Recognizing the industry’s potential, the Hangzhou Municipal Bureau of Economy and Information Technology has proposed a “1+3+5” intelligent robot innovation development system. This strategic framework positions humanoid robots at the forefront of innovation, supported by industrial, service, and special-purpose robots, and targets five key application areas: intelligent manufacturing, cultural tourism and entertainment, life services, healthcare, and urban development and governance.

Hangzhou is just one of many innovation hubs that mushroom across the country, whose ascendancy in the global robotics arena is further evidenced by the “China Robot Technology and Industry Development Report (2023).” The report highlights the concentration of premier robotics enterprises in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the Yangtze River Delta, and the Pearl River Delta. Cities like Beijing, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou have emerged as vibrant robotics hubs, fostering innovation and industrial growth.

The industry’s rapid progression is particularly notable in Zhejiang Province, where the production of service robots surged by an impressive 78.9% in the first quarter of 2023. This growth is emblematic of the broader trend in China’s robotics sector, which now leads the world in scale and innovation.

The High-tech Zone (Binjiang) exemplifies this progress, leveraging strengths in artificial intelligence, 5G, and the Internet of Things to drive full-spectrum development in the robotics industry. A comprehensive industrial ecosystem has taken shape, encompassing upstream chip and component manufacturing, midstream robot production, and downstream system integration and application.

This holistic approach has fostered a thriving robotics cluster, with companies specializing in various niches. Industrial robotics firms like Huarui Technology and Guozi coexist with service robotics innovators such as Unitree Technology and Xiaoyuan Robot, while companies like Jingye Intelligent push the boundaries in specialized robotics applications.

As China continues to invest in and develop its robotics industry, the nation is not just participating in the global robotics revolution—it’s leading it. With its blend of government support, industrial expertise, and innovative spirit, China is poised to shape the future of robotics, promising advancements that will resonate across industries and around the world.

A game-changer

And the military and geopolitical implications cannot be overstated. The innovative application of different types of robots is about to revolutionize post-modern warfare.  

We get a taste of what it looks like during the joint China-Laos military exercise “Friendship Shield-2024” kicking off on July 18th, with a comprehensive live-fire integrated drill. Cutting-edge unmanned systems developed in China were featured prominently, including assault robot dogs armed with automatic rifles, reconnaissance-strike drones capable of precisely targeting enemies from the sky, and tracked miniature unmanned tanks.

It is reported that multiple classes of unmanned platforms were integrated into joint exercises between the allies: airborne units leveraged drones for real-time surveillance and targeted strikes; soldiers unleashed robot hounds in coordinated fire assaults to shield special forces’ rescue operations; UAV jamming payloads dispersing adversarial drones or forcing them down. Additionally, the PLA airlifted a lightweight tracked unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) directly onto the battlefield by helicopter.

The Chinese commander observed that pioneering unmanned technology integration enhanced special operation teams’ situation awareness and firepower while mitigating risks. This allowed objectives to be achieved successfully under challenging conditions. By showcase cutting-edge capabilities, the drill underscored both nations’ progress in application of advanced unmanned systems and auguring new standards of interoperability between militaries.

The lower price of these robotics assets also means with the same budget, China can afford to deploy a far larger quantity of robots to the region of conflict if necessary. The public display of such advanced robotics in live-fire war games might be intended to send a message, serving as a credible counter-deterrence.

Not long ago, Admiral Samuel Paparo, head of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, has announced plans to turn the Taiwan Strait into a “hellscape” of drone swarms to thwart a potential Chinese reunification of Taiwan. The strategy, known as “Hellscape,” involves using numerous unmanned drones, submarines, surface ships and other classified capabilities to swarm the Taiwan Strait and slow down Chinese forces for a month, buying time for the U.S. and its allies to mount a full response.

While the US hellscape might still be on paper, and remains the way in foreseeable future due to limited manufacturing capability as a result of de-industrialization, China has demonstrated its remarkable potential to bring it to life. Finally, the warmongers trying to save their global hegemony might have good reason to be worried.