The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has entered a new phase in its efforts to integrate humans and machines on the battlefield. In a recent military exercise held in the country, four-legged armed robotic wolves were used alongside soldiers in the field for the first time. The robots participated in the exercise, operating in coordination with human infantry, actively participating in combat scenarios.

Chinese Army Unveils Robotic Wolves

The exercise was conducted with the participation of two of the PLA’s motorized infantry battalions. In the scenario, systems including the robotic wolves conducted precision attack, reconnaissance, and coordinated infiltration missions. The robots not only operated independently but were also tested in combination with unmanned aerial vehicles in mixed-mission scenarios.

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Footage shared by Chinese state television, CCTV, showed soldiers equipped with QBZ-191 infantry rifles and portable rocket launchers, while the robotic wolves were similarly armed. The rifle system mounted on the robots’ backs is striking, and it was noted that they acted like a true unit in the field, both visually and tactically.

Robotic wolves are designed to support conventional ground forces with their climbing, obstacle-climbing, and speed-compatible movements. Weighing approximately 70 kilograms, these systems are being developed by China South Industries Group Corporation. Designed for multi-purpose use, the robots can perform armed conflict, reconnaissance, logistics transport, and support missions.

The robotic wolves were first demonstrated at the Airshow China in 2024. The exercise demonstrated the systems’ usability in real-world scenarios. The ability of robots to infiltrate enemy lines and deploy them on life-threatening missions in place of human soldiers is redefining the role of this technology in combat.

According to Chinese military analyst Fu Qianshao, such ground-based robotic systems could be more effective than unmanned aerial vehicles, particularly in urban warfare. Fu highlighted the impact of attacks conducted with drones and ground robots in the conflict in Ukraine and stated that the psychological pressure-inducing power of such systems should not be overlooked.

Following the exercise, there was no clear statement regarding the scale at which robotic wolves would be used by the Chinese military. However, current indicators suggest that China is increasingly prioritizing autonomous systems on the battlefield and is investing heavily in such technologies to reduce human casualties.