China Deploys 'Wolf Robot' in Taiwan Strait Military Exercises

CCTV Releases Military Exercise Footage
Wolf Robot, Highlighted During Military Parade, Makes Appearance
Showcasing Technological Prowess Despite Multiple Vulnerabilities

On the 27th of last month, the Chinese state-run CCTV released training footage featuring a quadruped robot called the Wolf Robot. Photo by CCTV

The Wolf Robot, a quadruped robot that drew attention during the military parade in September, has been deployed in the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China for military exercises related to the Taiwan Strait. Despite assessments that it remains vulnerable for actual combat deployment, China appears to be demonstrating its technological capabilities through this move.

According to Chinese state-run CCTV on November 4, the recently released footage of an amphibious landing exercise by the "Huangcaoling Hero Company," a company-level unit under the 72nd Group Army of the Eastern Theater Command, featured the Wolf Robot. The 72nd Group Army is the main force for operations concerning the Taiwan Strait.

The Wolf Robots, after landing on the coast, led the unit by charging ahead toward enemy positions and overcoming obstacles. Although the Wolf Robot was destroyed by enemy fire during the exercise, it was evaluated as a sign that the PLA’s quadruped unmanned equipment has moved beyond the stage of technical verification and entered the phase of practical application.

The Wolf Robot, developed by China South Industries Group Corporation (CSGC), weighs about 70 kilograms, can carry up to 20 kilograms, and is equipped with five cameras for 360-degree scanning.

The Wolf Robot was first unveiled a year ago at the Zhuhai Airshow in November last year and attracted attention again during China’s military parade in September, where it appeared alongside large drones, unmanned helicopters, and unmanned vessels.

Chinese media also explained that China’s amphibious operation system has officially entered a stage where manned and unmanned equipment are integrated within the same units.

However, some have pointed out that the Wolf Robot’s key components are mostly exposed and can be easily destroyed, and that it is practically impossible for it to perform both reconnaissance and assault roles at the same time.