Chinese robot dogs takes on diverse roles with advanced AI

Six-legged Chinese robot "guide dogs" can now play vital roles in multiple fields with the latest AI technology attached, including appliance monitoring, elderly care, and even scientific research in extreme environments.

Jointly developed by Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Lenovo Group, the robot dogs feature high maneuverability, stability, and maximum load.

By attaching additional robot arms and other equipment, they can fit varied environments and fulfill a wide range of tasks.

Recently, research teams carried out field tests in China's Zhongshan Antarctic research station to examine the performance of robot dogs in harsh conditions.

Outfitted with ice-adaptive boots, insulation equipment and specialized batteries, the robot dogs can work consecutively for over four hours in temperatures as low as minus 40 degree Celsius, capable of detecting risky ice cracks and delivering essential equipment.

In addition to scientific research, the robot dogs are widely used to inspect power facilities. Compared to traditional robots with belts and tracks, robot dogs can traverse complex terrains with ease while monitoring for potential risks and faults.

By combining the latest AI technology, robot dogs have also shown huge potential in providing companionship and protection for elderly people with mobility challenges.

"The most important things for applying AI technology include, first, the training of Large Audio Models, second, to recognize the environment with visual capabilities, and third, to understanding human interactions. It remains challenging to establish a connection with the senior, and ensure the dog confirm that the senior is following it by using visual capabilities. We still need more testing," said Gao Feng, chair professor from the School of Mechanical Engineering of the Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

The robot dogs are designed to alerts seniors about uneven roads, provide navigation assistance if they get lost, and contact emergency services in case of accidents.

Once available on the market, the less furry "dogs" are expected to provide a safe and practical solution for elderly care.

Chinese robot dogs takes on diverse roles with advanced AI

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde has emphasized the need for readiness in tackling the challenges to the international order, which she believes will be a long-term issue for the world.

In an exclusive interview with the China Global Television Network (CGTN) on Wednesday on the sidelines of the ongoing 2026 annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in the Swiss Alpine town of Davos, Lagarde highlighted that the recent global developments and the geopolitical uncertainties are hindering economic progress and impacting people's lives.

"Whenever there is war in the world, and there is plenty of that at the moment, it is a break on economic development, it is a break on growth, and obviously it is affecting the life of people," said Lagarde.

Speaking at a discussion panel at the forum, the ECB president said "The curtain is rising on a new world order," where global cooperation, free trade, and the U.S. leadership are being replaced by a more fragmented landscape.

Regarding this new order, She told CGTN that it presents a long-term challenge that requires preparation.

"The challenge to the international order, which is a longer-term issue, which requires that we prepare ourselves, and that maybe we change the way in which we operate, is a more medium and long-term issue," said Lagarde.

With the theme "A Spirit of Dialogue," the 2026 annual meeting of WEF meeting opened on Monday and will run through Friday. About 3,000 leaders and experts from around the world are gathering to discuss five pressing global challenges, including enhancing cooperation, unlocking new sources of growth and deploying innovation at scale and responsibly.

ECB president calls for readiness in addressing challenges to international order