China - Recent Storyline: Six-legged robot dogs take on diverse roles in China [Voice_over] A six-legged robot dog developed jointly by Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Lenovo Group has recently completely a series of tests in Antarctica. Outfitted with ice-adaptive boots, the robot can walk smoothly on slick, icy surfaces while carrying objects that weigh up to 100 kilograms. Its developers say the robot can work for up to two hours in a row in temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius. Six-legged robot robots are already being used to inspect equipment at power stations elsewhere, monitoring for anomalies, rust, and oil leaks. Beyond inspecting machinery, advanced AI robot dogs are also being developed as potential companions for the elderly. [Sound_bite] Gao Feng, Chair professor, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University: "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." [Voice_over] Researchers say they're currently testing elderly friendly robot dogs with features like uneven road detection, navigation assistance and emergency alert systems. [Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland]