A seemingly ordinary truck drives onto a training ground, stops and opens its tailgate. What follows shows how quickly military robotisation is developing: several armed robot dogs drive out on their own and immediately form a combat formation. The footage offers a rare glimpse into China’s so-called ‘Robot Wolf Pack’.
According to available information, these systems were developed by the China Ordnance Automation Research Institute and designed specifically for urban combat and operations in complex environments, such as ruins or industrial sites.
Their strength lies not only in the individual robots, but in how they work together. The ‘wolf pack’ concept is about dividing tasks within one unit. There are variants for reconnaissance, attack and logistics support. In practice, this means some robot dogs carry sensors to detect targets, while others can provide direct fire support.
Mobile, armed and surprisingly quick to deploy
What stands out in the footage is the speed of deployment. By transporting the systems in a truck, they can be moved relatively inconspicuously and launched at the right moment. Within seconds, a small autonomous unit is ready to operate.
The robot dogs themselves are technically quite advanced. Their legs have several degrees of freedom, allowing them to move smoothly over uneven terrain. Obstacles of up to about 30 centimetres are no big problem, and with a speed of up to roughly 15 kilometres per hour they can move quickly through an area.
They can also carry loads of up to about 25 kilos. That makes it possible to integrate different kinds of weapons or sensors, depending on the mission.
From automatic weapons to rockets
The weaponry is modular. The video shows variants with automatic rifles, but also with launchers for small rockets or grenades. This points to broad usability: from taking out individual targets to supporting infantry in heavier fighting.
Importantly, these systems do not appear to operate fully autonomously when it comes to opening fire. There is talk of a ‘man-in-the-loop’, with a human operator making the final decision. This can be done through various interfaces, such as manual controls, data gloves or voice commands.
A network of drones and robots
One of the most interesting aspects is the link with other systems. The robot dogs can work together with drones in the air, sharing data in real time. Think of maps, target information and situational awareness.
Technologies such as SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) allow the systems to determine their own position and map their surroundings, even in unfamiliar terrain. That is essential for operations in urban areas, where GPS signals may be limited or jammed.
This link creates an integrated network of air and ground systems that reinforce each other. That enables faster decision-making and more targeted deployment.
A global trend, but China is accelerating
Although China is clearly taking big steps here, it is not alone. The United States is also experimenting with robot dogs, including some based on commercial platforms. In Europe, too, applications are being explored, both for military and security purposes.
What sets China apart is the scale and speed at which different systems are being developed and combined at the same time. The footage suggests the country is not just testing individual prototypes, but working on complete operational concepts.
A new phase in ground warfare
Deploying robot dogs from a vehicle shows how warfare is changing. Systems that can be rolled out quickly, operate independently and are immediately ready for action offer tactical advantages, especially in urban environments where the risks for human soldiers are high.
At the same time, this development raises questions about ethics, control and the role of autonomy on the battlefield. One thing is clear: the step from experiment to practical use is getting smaller, and systems such as this ‘Robot Wolf Pack’ show what the future of ground operations could look like.
