Chinese military unveils AI‑powered wolf robots for complex terrain
They are agile, fast, and designed for special tasks. A few days ago, at the Chinese military displays in Zhuhai, we observed innovative wolf-robots equipped with artificial intelligence, specifically the Q-UVG model from Deep Robotics, which moves at a speed of over 14 km/h (9 mph) thanks to its hybrid legs.
Although the manufacturer does not specify its direct application, the Chinese wolf-robots could significantly influence military missions in challenging 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.
Will wolf-robots go on reconnaissance, climb, and even fight?
This is not the first model of quadrupedal robots, but it stands out with its innovative way of moving – each leg is integrated with a wheel, allowing it to reach a speed that is still lower than that of a real wolf, at 14 km/h (9 mph). It can also quickly dodge obstacles and climb stairs. Rubble, leaves, stones, or uneven ground are not a challenge for it. Engineers from Deep Robotics also ensured that the robot's legs are equipped with shock absorbers that provide stability and reduce vibrations.
The innovation also lies in the unmanned quadrupeds' ability to work in a group, which may introduce new methods for conducting military missions. This is demonstrated in the video below. During military displays, the company also showcased how wolf-robots operate in a team: two of them 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".
Q-UVG robots will operate in difficult conditions
The Q-UVG can also operate in conditions unfavourable to the human body, not only due to terrain but also due to the temperature range: from –20°C to 50°C. Deep Robotics explains that the Q-UVG models use nuclear fusion perception technology, enabling the robots to quickly overcome obstacles, climb industrial stairs, conduct autonomous inspections in any weather condition, and tackle other challenges in an ever-growing number of scenarios.
