Chinese Army Debuts Reconnaissance-Attack Robot

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command showcased a new tank-like reconnaissance robot during exercises held at the beginning of the year.

During the exercises, the operation team arrived at the frontline via assault vehicles, the reconnaissance team used the robot to conduct reconnaissance on hostile outposts, the drone team used drones to conduct aerial surveillance, and the advance team seized control of high points and guided attacks on key hostile targets, China Central Television (CCTV) reported on Wednesday.

The robot is a tank-like unmanned ground vehicle that runs on caterpillar tracks, with reconnaissance devices installed as its "turret." Smaller than a person, the robot seems very fast and mobile and can be controlled via a portable, tablet-like remote control station.

"The robot can replace soldiers in early infiltration missions. It comes with reconnaissance and positioning functions, and can spot and destroy small targets," said Zhang Xuanming, a squad leader of the PLA brigade, in the CCTV report.