A Republican lawmaker has voiced concerns over China’s unveiling of AI-powered robot dogs armed with rifles.
According to a report by Military Times based on Chinese state media footage, these autonomous robots, weighing 110 pounds each, were showcased during military exercises in Cambodia.
The revelation has sparked worries in the United States, where Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., emphasized the escalating role of advanced AI in global military dynamics. Buchanan highlighted the significance of AI as a critical frontier for economic and military supremacy, underscoring the need for vigilance against technological advancements by nations like China.
Buchanan’s advocacy has been reflected in legislative actions, including amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). One of his amendments mandates a detailed Pentagon report on China’s utilization of AI in its military operations, specifically focusing on the implications of weaponized robotic technologies.
China’s deployment of AI-equipped robotic dogs has drawn comparisons to existing US military experiments with similar technologies, albeit without weaponization. Buchanan stressed the urgency for the US military to maintain technological superiority amidst global competition, citing potential national security risks associated with China’s advancements.
Responding to inquiries, Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, echoed concerns about the need for US innovation to counterbalance China’s technological strides. He prioritized investments in emerging technologies like AI to sustain American military superiority.
As the Senate prepared to deemphasize, Buchanan expressed confidence in bipartisan support for his amendment, emphasizing its crucial role in safeguarding national security interests. The legislative process continues amidst heightened scrutiny over technological advancements and global strategic competition.
China’s deployment of AI robot dogs represents a pivotal moment in military technology, prompting robust discussions and legislative actions aimed at fortifying US defences against evolving threats in the global arena.
