KINMEN — The Taiwan military's top weapons development institute displayed three robot patrol dogs on June 2, 2026. The National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology demonstrated three versions of a robot dog built by Ghost Robotics, each equipped with the institute’s own technology for reconnaissance, surveillance, and firepower purposes.
One version of the robot dog includes a gun. Officials said the systems are intended for deployment on Taiwan’s islands in the disputed South China Sea. Jen Kuo-kuang, deputy head of the institute's missile and rocket systems research division, said the military had expressed its need for such equipment, though it had not yet placed a formal order.
"In fact, the marines believe that on beaches and the coastline, including for the coast guard in Nansha and Dongsha for patrols and inspection, there is a pressing need," Jen said. Nansha refers to the Spratly Islands and Dongsha refers to the Pratas Islands, both located in the South China Sea. Taiwan controls Itu Aba, its major island in the Spratlys, and all of the Pratas Islands.
Taiwan has reported an increase in Chinese coast guard patrols near the Pratas Islands in recent years, as well as a growing presence of Chinese drones in the area. Drones have become a key focus of Taiwan’s defense ministry as part of broader military modernization efforts aimed at deterring China. Beijing views Taiwan as its own territory and claims a large portion of the South China Sea, overlapping with Taiwan’s claims.
Chinese forces have generally left Itu Aba undisturbed, according to available information. The robot patrol dogs represent one component of Taiwan’s ongoing efforts to enhance remote surveillance and response capabilities on its outlying islands.