A sleek, metallic hand extends, deftly grasping an object in a military training field. This isn’t a scene from a science fiction film, but a demonstration of Lingxi, a People’s Liberation Army (PLA) explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) robot, showcasing a remarkable level of dexterity. It’s a glimpse into a rapidly evolving future of warfare.
China is aggressively developing a diverse arsenal of combat robotics, moving beyond theoretical concepts to tangible field testing. Quadruped “robot dogs,” eerily lifelike humanoid fighters, and sophisticated AI-powered support systems are all becoming realities, designed for everything from logistical support to direct engagement on the battlefield.
This push isn’t accidental. It’s a core component of Beijing’s strategic doctrine of “intelligentized warfare,” a vision of autonomous and semi-autonomous systems reshaping the landscape of conflict. The goal is to create a force multiplier, enhancing capabilities and minimizing risk to human soldiers.
In November 2025, at the International Army Cadets Week, a motion-controlled combat robot captivated observers. Controlled by a human wearing a motion-sensing suit, the robot mirrored every punch, every defensive move, almost instantaneously. The system evoked comparisons to the robotic fighters of the movie *Real Steel*, but this was no Hollywood illusion.
The demonstration extended beyond humanoid forms. Mine-clearing robots, utilizing visual recognition and metal detectors, worked alongside bomb-disposal robots responding to voice commands alone. While long-range sensing remains a challenge, the integration of artificial intelligence promises to overcome these limitations, particularly in reconnaissance and assault roles.
AI isn’t limited to robotic platforms. The PLA is also leveraging it to revolutionize military training, creating immersive virtual battlefields and personalized training plans that pinpoint and address individual weaknesses. This data-driven approach aims to forge a more effective and adaptable fighting force.
The development of humanoid robotics is a national priority, championed by President Xi Jinping’s call for “new quality productive forces.” A list of innovative products, spearheaded by seven ministries, including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, has been established to drive this initiative forward.
Chinese companies are dominating the global humanoid robot supply chain, controlling an impressive 63 percent of the market. The Tiangong Ultra, a 1.8-meter robot from the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Centre, recently achieved a historic feat: winning the world’s first half-marathon for humanoid robots.
This isn’t just about speed. The Tiangong Ultra, capable of running up to 12 kmph and navigating challenging terrain like slopes, stairs, and uneven ground, demonstrates the inherent advantages of a bipedal design in complex battlefield environments. Imagine navigating rubble-strewn ruins or scaling staircases with ease.
PLA strategists identify versatility as the primary advantage of humanoid robots. Their human-like form allows them to simulate a wide range of human activities, facilitating seamless human-computer interaction and enabling them to tackle complex tasks currently performed by soldiers.
Recent military exercises offer compelling evidence of this integration. During an amphibious landing drill, four-legged robots, laden with explosives, spearheaded the assault, clearing pathways through obstacles. Simultaneously, robot dogs accompanied paratroopers, infiltrating enemy lines and transporting ammunition.
The Golden Dragon 2024 joint exercise with Cambodia showcased robotic dogs weighing 15 kg and 50 kg. The smaller model utilized advanced sensing technology, while the larger carried an assault rifle, leading an assault on a simulated terrorist stronghold.
Unitree Robotics, a Chinese firm marketing its “Go2” model primarily for civilian use, has become a focal point of attention. Despite publicly disavowing weaponization, investigations reveal deep ties to the PLA through university partnerships and procurement channels.
State media footage and procurement records confirm that Unitree’s quadruped robots, equipped with firearms and rockets, have appeared in PLA exercises, including joint drills and urban combat simulations. The company’s low-cost pricing – under $3,000 compared to Boston Dynamics’ $75,000 Spot – significantly lowers the barrier to widespread military adoption.
Unitree’s partnerships with companies like Huawei, ZTE, and iFlytek, all facing U.S. scrutiny, and its access to state subsidies and political influence, have raised concerns among U.S. lawmakers. The company embodies the accelerating militarization of China’s economy, seamlessly integrating private technology into its military capabilities.
Military experts highlight four key roles for robotic dogs: logistics, reconnaissance, explosive ordnance disposal, and perimeter security. Logistics, specifically, is seen as the most immediate and practical application, alleviating the immense physical burden on soldiers carrying heavy loads.
These robots can function as automated pack mules, carrying ammunition, rations, and medical supplies, allowing soldiers to focus on combat. They also excel in high-risk reconnaissance, navigating confined spaces, tunnels, and minefields, minimizing danger to human personnel.
Equipped with precision sensors and manipulator arms, robotic dogs are also proving invaluable in explosive ordnance disposal, identifying and neutralizing threats from a safe distance. Finally, they can provide persistent perimeter security, patrolling installations tirelessly and performing routine security tasks.
China’s advancements are built upon the foundation of its thriving civilian robotics industry, which has made significant strides in humanoid balance, mobility, and motion control. While these robots are still largely in the demonstration phase, their increasing sophistication suggests a future where they can undertake tasks too dangerous or challenging for human soldiers.
