NTU Unveils Taiwan's First AI Robot Dogs

In a groundbreaking development, National Taiwan University (NTU) has unveiled Taiwan’s first AI robot dogs. These robotic canines are set to revolutionize industrial work and assist in rescue operations. Led by mechanical engineering professor Kuo Chung-hsien, the team behind the “NTU DogBot” project showcased two models, Oliver and Dustin, at the headquarters of the National Science and Technology Council in Taipei.

What sets these robot dogs apart is their cost-effective production and autonomous navigation capabilities. With a projected production cost of just $50,000, the NTU team believes that these robots will be highly competitive in the global market. This cost is almost 50 percent less than what other countries have quoted for similar robots. Not only are they affordable, but they also come equipped with sensors, enabling them to navigate autonomously and learn through artificial intelligence.

Oliver, the “pet robot dog” version, weighs 16kg and is 54cm long, while Dustin, the “field operations robot dog,” is twice the size and weighs 40kg. The team aims to further develop their capabilities, with plans for the robots to climb stairs and traverse complex terrains by the end of this year. This versatility opens up a wide range of applications, particularly in sectors suffering from labor shortages such as petrochemical, construction, railway, food delivery, and service industries.

One of the key strengths of these robot dogs is their ability to navigate complex terrains, making them suitable for rescue operations. Kuo mentions that similar robot dogs have already been employed to film the insides of burning buildings before firefighters enter. Dustin, with its advanced sensors capable of detecting sound, temperature, gas, and other readings, is well-suited for industrial applications and food deliveries. On the other hand, Oliver has unique features such as voice control and facial expression recognition, making it more suitable for home environments.

The NTU team embarked on the AI robot dog project in collaboration with the National Science and Technology Council two years ago. Their motivation was the realization that the overseas counterparts were expensive and faced integration challenges with Taiwan’s digital network and AI systems. By integrating new technologies and working with domestic companies, the team successfully overcame these hurdles, transforming their vision into a reality.

This groundbreaking achievement by NTU marks the beginning of Taiwan’s AI robot dog industry, which is poised to make significant strides globally. With their cost-effective production and autonomous navigation capabilities, these robot dogs have the potential to disrupt various sectors, addressing labor shortages and advancing rescue operations. Professor Kuo Chung-hsien sums it up best, stating, “We believe that these robot dogs will not only change the way we work but also how we interact with technology in our daily lives.”