Robot wolves seen in a drill by China's 76th Group Army @CCTV
China has publicly deployed its quadrupedal "robot wolves" for the first time during a recent military exercise involving human-drone collaboration, according to official media.
The armed ground robots, designed to support frontline soldiers, were seen operating in a simulated combat scenario with the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA).
Two motorized infantry companies from the PLA's 76th Group Army took part in the confrontation exercise, which emphasized unmanned integration into traditional assault tactics. The training was held in a grassy, hilly area and included reconnaissance, precision strikes, and coordinated breakthroughs-supported by robot wolves and aerial drones.
Footage broadcast by China Central Television (CCTV) showed soldiers with QBZ-191 rifles and portable rocket launchers moving in formation alongside robot wolves carrying similar weapons or equipped with surveillance systems. These robotic units walked, climbed, and maintained pace with the infantry, simulating a coordinated ground advance.
"This exercise marks the first time I have commanded and operated the robot wolf," said Hu Te, a PLA brigade member. "Our primary-level companies aim to use the newly commissioned unmanned equipment well, and integrate them with humans," he added.
The ground robots were backed by FPV (first person view) drones flown by operators concealed in ghillie suits, who conducted reconnaissance and mock suicide attacks during the scenario.
First revealed at Airshow China 2024, the robot wolf weighs about 70 kilograms and was developed by China South Industries Group Corporation. It is designed for multiple combat roles, including armed assault, surveillance, transport, and support. Its rugged mobility enables it to navigate complex terrains, climb ladders, and clear high obstacles alongside troops.
The robot wolves can also operate in networked formations with human soldiers and other military systems, enhancing combat operations in urban environments, plateaus, and mountainous regions, according to the developer.
Fu Qianshao, a Chinese military analyst, told theGlobal Times that ground robots could have an even more transformative battlefield impact than aerial drones. He pointed to reports of Ukrainian forces recently capturing Russian soldiers without infantry-relying entirely on unmanned systems.
Fu noted that robots bring psychological pressure to enemy soldiers. "When soldiers face relentless robotic units, it may lead to stress and even thoughts of surrender," he said.
He added that increased use of robotic ground systems could reshape tactics and redefine how wars are fought.
