Robot dogs, once dismissed as little more than futuristic toys, are rapidly proliferating worldwide and emerging as reliable companions across diverse sectors—from manufacturing plants and city streets to disaster zones and even battlefields.

Experts describe the growing use of these mechanized quadrupeds, often referred to as caninoids, as part of a broader revolution in robotics. Advances in hardware and software are making machines far more adaptable to challenging environments, with robot dogs reaching an “ideal point” in terms of usability and predictability.

Sharing certain traits with humanoid androids—such as the ability to walk—these four-legged automatons hold a distinct advantage thanks to their lower center of gravity, making them less prone to instability on uneven terrain, a key obstacle that has limited the widespread use of bipedal robots.

The journey of robot dogs began in the late 1990s with Sony’s Aibo, which enjoyed strong initial sales but ultimately remained more of a cute curiosity than a practical tool. Today, however, the technology has advanced significantly, and applications are far more serious.

Robot dogs are now deployed in post-disaster search and rescue operations, nuclear decommissioning, and explosives disposal. Earlier this year, the UK government confirmed successful trials using advanced quadrupeds to detect and defuse bombs.

In Asia, their presence is becoming increasingly visible. On the streets of China, robot dogs are often spotted as novelty companions, sometimes dressed in costumes. In Singapore, they have been tested to guide visually impaired individuals, expanding their role from industrial use to social services.

Security has also become a major application. The four-legged robots have been seen patrolling sensitive locations—including the grounds of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida.

According to robotics experts, this is just the beginning. With their ability to keep humans away from dangerous environments, robot dogs are being hailed as indispensable tools of the future. (ILKHA)