TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Several Taiwan companies have ramped up production of robotic dogs to secure orders from the Ministry of National Defense for use in reconnaissance, combat, and logistics resupply missions, Economic Daily News reported.
The ministry plans to incorporate robotic dogs, unmanned surface vehicles, and unmanned underwater vehicles supported by AI technology into military operations.
The National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology said it is strengthening a China-free robotics supply chain to develop key robotics components. It has integrated self-developed thermal imaging technology into robotic dogs.
Compared with humanoid robots, robotic dogs are easier to design and achieve stable movement. Equipping them with modular sensors can enhance their operations and allow them to adapt to different environments.
Kaohsiung-based China Steel has transformed from a steel maker into an advanced materials supplier. It has developed ultra-thin electrical steel sheets measuring 0.1 mm thick, which can be used in motors for robotic dogs and humanoid robots.
The company said the electrical steel sheets help unmanned vehicles achieve lighter designs and improved durability. It also plans to cooperate with local machinery firms to develop new weather- and wear-resistant steel materials for defense applications.
Tansimo Robotic Manufacturing, a joint venture formed by I-Mei Foods, Mirle, and Syntec, has expanded into robotics and drone markets. In February, US-based Ainos partnered with Mirle to integrate smell-sensing modules into robotic dogs.
Ainos’ AI Nose platform turns odors into data to detect gas leaks and unusual smells.
Mirle also unveiled an inspection robotic dog at last year’s Semicon exhibition for use in industrial settings.
Hiwin Technologies has long supplied key components to US robotic dog makers such as Boston Dynamics. It also uses motor technology from its subsidiary Hiwin Mikrosystem to produce motion components for robots.
In addition to integrating robotic dogs into military operations, the ministry said it will focus on counter-drone technologies, combining soft- and hard-kill measures such as electronic jamming, lasers, and microwaves, as well as developing swarms of low-cost drones.
I-Mei Foods is the parent company of Taiwan News.
