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China has publicly demonstrated a new class of quadruped robots, dubbed “wolf robots,” during a large-scale military exercise simulating an amphibious attack on Taiwan. The exercise, conducted by the PLA Eastern Theater Command’s 72nd Group Army, combined autonomous ground robots with swarms of first-person-view (FPV) drones to test new approaches to frontline operations.
The wolf robots, developed by China South Industries Group Corporation (CSGC), weigh approximately 70 kilograms and can carry up to 20 kilograms of supplies. In the drills, some robots were configured for attack, while others were outfitted for transport, carrying ammunition and medical supplies, conducting reconnaissance, and providing fire support. CCTV footage showed the robots breaching obstacles such as barbed wire and trenches ahead of human troops, clearing the way for follow-on forces. Transport variants followed closely, demonstrating coordinated movement between offensive and logistical units.
FPV drones complemented the ground robots, launching precision strikes on simulated defenses. Reports indicated the integration of manned and unmanned systems allowed a single operator to control multiple robots and drones simultaneously via a real-time 3D battlefield interface, expanding the operational reach roughly fourfold compared to a conventional infantry squad. The exercise reportedly reduced the time between target detection and engagement to under 10 seconds.
Equipped with five cameras for full situational awareness, the robots were also part of China’s September military parade alongside large drones and unmanned helicopters. These platforms support China’s shift from traditional human-wave tactics toward “intelligent-sea tactics,” emphasizing precision, autonomous coordination, and machine teamwork over sheer troop numbers.
However, according to Interesting Engineering, the demonstration revealed limitations. Several robots struggled to conceal themselves in open terrain, lacked armor, and one unit was destroyed by light gunfire. Analysts noted endurance, defensive capability, and secure communications remain challenges for operational deployment.
Despite these shortcomings, the trial reflects China’s ongoing push to integrate AI-driven systems into frontline roles, including reconnaissance, logistics, and amphibious operations. The focus is on combining autonomy, rapid decision-making, and coordinated multi-domain tactics as part of the PLA’s broader modernization efforts.
