Taiwan's top weapons development institute on Tuesday unveiled three robotic patrol dog models that could potentially be deployed to help defend the island against China, particularly in strategically sensitive areas of the
South China Sea.
The National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) showcased the systems during a press conference, where Jen Kuo-kuang, head of the institute's Missile and Rocket Systems Research Division, said the three variants had been developed by modifying the Vision 60 robotic dog platform produced by US-based Ghost Robotics.
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According to Jen, the robotic dogs are capable of operating across difficult terrain, including slopes and stairways, and can recover independently after falling. The platform weighs approximately 52.4 kilograms, can carry payloads of up to 10 kilograms and moves at speeds of up to 2.5 metres per second. It can remain operational for between eight and 10 hours on a single deployment.
NCSIST said the first variant is designed for security patrols, facility protection and night-time monitoring. It is equipped with LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and thermal imaging systems, allowing it to conduct patrol missions, avoid obstacles, sense its surroundings and generate three-dimensional maps of its environment.
The second model is intended to operate alongside autonomous ground vehicles and drones as part of an integrated battlefield network. It can search for, identify and track targets while transmitting data to a smart command-and-control system. Equipped with NCSIST's electro-optical reconnaissance system, the robot dog is designed primarily for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
The third version combines reconnaissance capabilities with offensive functions. It is fitted with a remote-controlled weapon station developed by NCSIST and mounted on top of the platform. The institute said the robotic dogs can communicate with one another, enabling them to share information and coordinate operations in real time.
Countering the Chinese threat
China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory, has steadily increased its military and coast guard presence in the South China Sea in recent years. Taiwanese-controlled islands in the region are therefore viewed as increasingly vulnerable in the event of a conflict.
Taiwan has reported a rise in Chinese coast guard patrols and drone activity near Pratas Island, also known as Dongsha, prompting renewed focus on strengthening surveillance and defensive capabilities in remote outposts.
"In fact, the marines believe that on beaches and the coastline, including for the coast guard in Nansha (Spratly) and Dongsha for patrols and inspection, there is a pressing need”, Jen said.
According to NCSIST, deploying robotic dogs in such environments could reduce the risk to military personnel operating in high-threat areas. The systems could potentially be used to support the defence of Taiwan's territory and offshore positions against Chinese military pressure.
Taiwan has been investing heavily in the modernisation of its armed forces, with a growing emphasis on unmanned and autonomous systems. The robotic dogs are designed to operate in all-weather conditions and can function in temperatures ranging from minus 40°C to 55°C, making them suitable for a wide range of operational environments as Taiwan seeks to counter the growing military capabilities of China.
