The AI Impact Summit, meant to showcase India’s rising ambitions in artificial intelligence, turned controversial after Galgotias University was asked to vacate its pavilion for presenting a robotic dog as an indigenous innovation that was later identified as a commercially available Chinese-made quadruped.
The incident, which went viral online, pointed to the tensions around authenticity and innovation credibility at one of India’s marquee technology gatherings.
Against this backdrop, there is renewed focus on what exactly a robodog is, how it functions, and why such technology, especially that developed in India, matters for national defence and security.
WHAT IS A ROBODOG?
A robodog is a four-legged robotic platform designed to mimic the mobility and versatility of real canines but equipped with advanced sensors, computation, and articulation systems that enable it to operate autonomously or semi-autonomously in diverse environments.
Unlike toy robots or entertainment devices, these industrial-grade robotic dogs are engineered for practical tasks such as surveillance, logistics support, reconnaissance, or hazardous environment work.
HOW IS ROBODOG ENGINEERED?
At its core, a robodog combines mechanical engineering and artificial intelligence to navigate terrain much like a biological animal:
Mobility and Actuation: Each leg is powered by servo motors or actuators that function as artificial “muscles,” allowing the robot to walk, climb stairs, and adjust posture dynamically. These actuators receive real-time commands from onboard control systems that balance and coordinate movements.
Sensors and Perception: A suite of sensors, including LIDAR, cameras, infrared, and inertial measurement units, helps the robot perceive its environment, avoid obstacles, and build 3D maps of terrain. LiDAR or Light Detection and Ranging is a remote sensing technology that uses laser pulses to measure distances and create precise 3D maps of surroundings.
Autonomy and Navigation: Advanced machine-learning algorithms allow the robodog to interpret sensor data and make navigation decisions without continuous human input. This can include path planning, obstacle avoidance, and adaptive gait adjustments suited for uneven landscapes.
Communication and Control: Secure radio links and onboard processors enable operators to send commands, receive real-time video or telemetry, or switch between manual and autonomous modes.
The tight integration of hardware and software makes these platforms more capable than wheeled robots, especially in complex or unpredictable environments.
HOW DOES ROBODOGS WORK?
Engineering a robodog requires expertise across multiple domains:
Mechanical Design: The quadruped structure must balance strength, weight, and flexibility. Engineers use lightweight alloys and composites to reduce power consumption while maintaining durability.
Electronic Systems: Miniaturised electronics manage sensors, actuators, power systems, and processors. Battery technology is crucial for ensuring extended operational life.
AI and Software: Real-time operating systems coupled with AI modules process sensor inputs to maintain balance, detect obstacles, and make split-second decisions during movement.
MAKE-IN-INDIA ROBODOGS RISE
India has already begun integrating indigenous robodogs into its defence framework.
The Indian Army, for instance, fielded Multi-Utility Legged Equipment (MULES), robotic dogs capable of navigating difficult terrains, carrying payloads up to 15 kg, and operating across extreme weather conditions.
Companies like xTerra Robotics and General Autonomy have been steadily developing practical, field-ready robotic platforms.
The company recently unveiled Svan-2, billed as India’s first commercial quadruped robot, a significant milestone for homegrown robotics manufacturing.
Rather than depending extensively on imported components, Indian firms are increasingly prioritising indigenous mechanical design, control architecture, and core engineering systems, strengthening the country’s self-reliance in advanced robotics.
These units are engineered to support logistics, reconnaissance, and potentially dangerous frontline missions, reducing risk to human personnel.
As India continues scaling “Make in India” platforms, such robots could become a cornerstone of modern, technology-forward defence operations.
