NCSIST has unveiled three variants of robot dogs. If mass-produced successfully, they could become the military's most reliable partners on the battlefield and serve as Taiwan's next line of defense.

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A combat-ready robot dog equipped with a remotely controlled gun turret successfully engaged targets in a live demonstration. At the same time, a scout variant advanced to the front lines, precisely locking onto objectives before troops arrived.

"In complex terrain and high-risk environments, the robot dog can carry out reconnaissance and surveillance missions," said a reporter on the scene. "In wartime, it can be integrated with drones and unmanned ground vehicles to form a three-dimensional combat system."

A LiDAR-equipped variant was also showcased, demonstrating its ability to quickly navigate around obstacles and conduct patrols of critical infrastructure. Paired with a thermal imaging sensor system, it can execute reconnaissance missions around the clock. 

Deputy Director of the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science & Technology’s (NCSIST) Missile and Rocket Research Institute, Ren Guo-guang (任國光) noted: "The Marine Corps has urgent needs for coastal patrol, and the Coast Guard Administration has pressing requirements at Pratas and Spratly Islands. Our expertise is in miniaturizing and streamlining various weapon systems to mount onto the robot dogs."

Beyond expanding firepower for the integrated reconnaissance-and-strike robot dogs, NCSIST is also pushing to establish a non-red supply chain for drone and unmanned systems components. Ren added: "Motor modules, camera modules, and AI computing modules — these are our greatest strengths. We can source suppliers here and work toward domestic production in Taiwan, ensuring a stable supply chain for future demand." 

If these robot dogs can be successfully mass-produced, Taiwan’s military could be working with a whole new kind of man’s best friend.