Chinese military unveils AI‑driven wolf-robots at airshow 2024

Although the manufacturer does not specify its direct applications, the Chinese wolf-robots can significantly impact military missions in difficult terrain and assist special forces units. The Chinese company Deep Robotics developed the Q-UVG robots, which stands for Quadrupedal Unmanned Ground Vehicles. Importantly, their operation is supported by artificial intelligence. The new model was showcased live in Zhuhai at the China Airshow 2024.

This is not the first model of quadrupedal robots, but it stands out due to an innovative way of moving – each leg is integrated with a wheel, allowing it to reach an average speed still lower than a real wolf, at 14 km/h (9 mph). It can also quickly dodge obstacles and climb stairs. Rubble, leaves, stones, or uneven ground do not pose a challenge. Engineers from Deep Robotics have also ensured that the robot's legs are equipped with shock absorbers that provide stability and reduce vibrations.

The innovation also includes the capability of unmanned quadrupeds to work in a group, which may bring new methods for conducting military missions. You can see this in the video below. During military displays, the company also demonstrated how wolf robots manage in a group: two had visible mounts for weapons or sensors, while the others primarily acted as scouts.

Deep Robotics also assured that the machines respond to simple voice commands like "stand up" or "move".

The Q-UVG can also operate in conditions adverse to the human body, not only because of the terrain but also due to the temperature range: from –20°C to 50°C (–4°F to 122°F). As explained by Deep Robotics, the Q-UVG models utilise nuclear fusion perception technology, enabling the robots to quickly overcome obstacles, climb industrial stairs, and conduct autonomous inspections in any weather condition, addressing various challenges in an ever-growing array of scenarios.