A host of futuristic robotic wolves caught visitors' eye on Thursday at the ongoing 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, also known as Airshow China, in Zhuhai, a port city in south China's Guangdong Province.
The pack consists of four different robotic wolves, which can undertake versatile tasks. One wolf is equipped with reconnaissance equipment that can operate on the front lines.
The comprehensive supporting wolf is tasked with transporting ammunition supplies. The remaining two wolves are armed with firearms that can serve as the primary combat forces.
According to the engineers, these steel warriors possess powerful collaborative capabilities, and can carry out complex missions in various scenarios, including urban streets, factories and mines.
Together with a central control vehicle, the whole pack can reach a combat radius of up to two kilometers and a battery life of three hours. "At the current stage, the robotic wolves have evolved from individual intelligence to group intelligence.
When carrying out tasks, we can quickly deploy different types and quantities of robotics according to various needs to meet battlefield requirements," said Liu Zhe, a representative of China South Industries Group Corporation (CSGC).
Compared to the commonly known robotic dogs, these wolves adopted the concept of group combat, enabling "human-vehicle-wolf" interconnection, ensuring information sharing and dynamic autonomous coordination.
After rigorous training on various terrains, these robotic wolves have proven their reliability and adaptability. They excel not only in military applications, but also hold broad prospects for civilian use.
Designed with a focus on adaptability to urban terrains, these robotic wolves can easily navigate stairs, overcome obstacles and trenches, which conventional robots find challenging. "There are numerous civilian applications as well, such as firefighting emergencies, industrial and chemical factory inspections, and safety checks in hazardous environments," said Liu.
Robotic wolves capture widespread attention at ongoing Airshow China
John Lee, chief executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), announced on Friday that an independent committee will have nine months to investigate the Wang Fuk Court fire that occurred in late November.
The fire, which erupted on November 26 in Tai Po, has claimed 160 lives as of 16:00 Tuesday, with six people still reported missing, according to authorities.
At a press conference, Lee said the committee will be led by Judge David Lok, chairman of the Electoral Affairs Commission, and will also include Legislative Council Finance Committee Chairman Chan Kin-por and outgoing MTR Corporation Chairman Rex Auyeung Pak-kuen.
"Nine months is a very challenging time indeed, but I want to solve the problem as quickly as possible. So I want to give what I regard as a time frame -- realistic -- provided the independent committee is given sufficient means to maneuver, while ensuring the examination is just. They can streamline procedure and be given more flexibility so that they can finish their work within the nine months. And I also have given them a reserve power. That is, if the independent committee considers, by examining all these complicated issues, there may be one which they think, by exercising the powers that is given to a statutory commissioner of inquiry, will help them complete their work, then I'm very willing to consider a recommendation by the independent commission to seek appointing them as the commission of inquiry," Lee said.
Lee noted that the committee's investigation will focus on the causes and circumstances of the fire, and whether systemic issues exist in large-scale building management and renovation projects.
The committee will also examine whether the current regulations and penalties are sufficient in these two areas and will make relevant recommendations. The investigation reports are expected to be made public.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, David Lok stressed the need for fairness and impartiality in the investigation, saying that he would refrain from commenting on the investigation until the committee completes its work.
"During this period, I hope everyone understands that although this is a committee, I am leading this work in my capacity as a judge. Judges must also adhere to certain professional principles, including being fair and impartial. We need to conduct rational analysis based on facts before making any factual judgments or recommendations; we cannot be emotional. Furthermore, we cannot have a pre-established position. In fact, before every judge hears a case, we should ideally start with a blank slate and cannot have a predetermined stance," said Lok.
"So today, if you ask me for my views on certain matters or how we will conduct the investigation, I’m afraid I won't be able to answer as freely as I could when I was at the Electoral Affairs Commission. But I hope all media friends and residents understand that I do not wish to evade questions; it is simply that some questions at this stage are inappropriate for the committee chair to answer. Therefore, during the investigation, I do not expect to speak with you again until our work is completed," he said.
Investigation into Tai Po fire to conclude within nine months: HKSAR chief executive
