Taiwan on Tuesday unveiled three robotic patrol dogs that could eventually be deployed on its islands in the South China Sea, as part of efforts to modernize its armed forces in the face of increasing pressure from China.
Presented by the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology in Taipei, these quadruped robots were developed in cooperation with the American company Ghost Robotics, known for its systems used by several Western armed forces.
The devices are capable of carrying out reconnaissance, surveillance and patrol missions in hard-to-reach areas. They can operate on rough terrain, overcome obstacles and transmit images and data to operators in real time.
Taiwanese authorities are studying their use, in particular, on remote islands controlled by Taipei in the South China Sea, a strategic region where several countries claim territories and maritime zones. These islands are considered particularly vulnerable due to their isolation and proximity to disputed areas.
This presentation is part of Taiwan's asymmetric defense strategy, which seeks to offset China's military advantage by developing innovative technologies, including aerial, naval and now ground drones.
Beijing still considers Taiwan an integral part of its territory and does not rule out the use of force to achieve reunification. Faced with this threat, the Taiwanese government is increasing its investments in autonomous systems and next-generation equipment to improve its surveillance and response capabilities.
Robot dogs are still in the evaluation phase, but military officials believe they could play an important role in the future in protecting sensitive facilities and monitoring Taiwan's forward positions.
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