“Cry ‘Havoc!’ And let slip the dogs of war” probably wasn’t actually uttered by Roman General Mark Antony. It was simply an invention of William Shakespeare for the play “Julius Caesar.” The line wasn’t even about actual canines. But the passage serves to remind us that man’s best friend has also marched to war for eons. 

Dogs have tracked enemies, guarded prisoners, and protected soldiers since antiquity. Though these loyal companions are all too willing to put their lives on the line—and in fairness really can’t understand the risks they face—there are now efforts to develop a more disposable version of canine warriors.

Enter the Robot Dogs of War

In June 2022, the U.S. Army announced it would provide Kyiv with a pair of robotic dogs that could aid in clearing minefields and in the disposal of other ordnance. The robotic canines were seen as being just as effective as living, breathing dogs at sniffing out landmines, and they would not be distracted.

Most importantly, the innovation meant that real dogs wouldn’t have to risk life and paw in the process.

Two years later, Ukrainian soldiers from the 28th Separate Mechanized Brigade are taking to Telegram to share results from field testing of a robotic dog in combat conditions. While robotic dogs have already been used as guards to patrol the perimeter of a military base, the Ukrainian robotic dogs have been employed as scouts near villages on the frontlines around Toretsk, near the destroyed city of Bakhmut.

The robotic K-9s, which resemble the commercially developed Unitree Go2 quadruped, have been used to collect data, transport cargo, and perform surveillance.

“The robotic dog in use possesses advanced technological features that make it especially suitable for such tasks. It has high mobility due to its four-legged design, allowing it to overcome various obstacles and operate on uneven surfaces,” United 24Media reported. “Its balance system ensures stability, while advanced sensors and cameras enable it to accurately perceive its surroundings and avoid obstacles.”

It is unclear if the Ukrainian robot dog is based on the Unitree Go2, developed in China. That quadruped robot is noted for employing a 4D LIDAR (light detection and ranging) sensor along with a light, 1,280x720 camera in its nose. The Go2 can carry around 10 kg (22 pounds) and reach speeds up to 18 kilometers per hour (11 miles per hour). It thus doesn’t have quite the speed of a warm-blooded dog, but the remote-controlled robotic dogs don’t tire – at least as long as the battery remains charged.

The U.S. military first tested Vision 60 quadrupedal robots at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, in 2020. Developed by Ghost Robotics, the robot guards were meant to be part of the first Advanced Battle Management System, a digital battle network system that is designed to collect, process, and share data among U.S. and allied forces.

In June, China showcased an armed robot dog that also seemed similar in design to the Unitree Go2. The difference from the robot dogs in Ukraine was the presence of a QBZ-95 (Type 95) assault rifle mounted to the top. Fittingly, the Type 95 features a bullpup configuration.

It would seem that the dogs of war have been let slip.

About the Author: Peter Suciu

Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer. He has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers, and websites with over 3,200 published pieces over a twenty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: [email protected].

Image: Shutterstock.