Kuala Lumpur: The sight of two AI-powered robotic dogs has become one of the main attractions for visitors at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (LIMA'25), held at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC) since yesterday.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, one of the robotic dogs was introduced by National Aerospace Defense Industries Sdn Bhd (NADI). This AI-powered robotic dog is designed as a Quadruped Unmanned Ground Vehicle (Q-UGV) to support security, defense, and industrial applications. NADI Group senior engineer, Wayne Lim, explained that the dog, named Asuk, was developed in collaboration with Ghost Robotics of the United States. The Q-UGV serves as a foundational platform in NADI's strategy to build an ecosystem of intelligent, interoperable unmanned systems operating across land, sea, and air domains.
Asuk, weighing 50 kilogrammes, offers up to 24 hours of autonomous operation and can perform reconnaissance in hazardous environments such as disaster zones, combat areas, and high-risk industrial sites. It is designed to withstand moderate weather conditions, featuring an IP67 rating for splash and dust resistance. The Q-UGV is designed to evolve with advancements in AI, autonomy, and sensor technology, with a focus on developing unmanned systems that operate safely and efficiently across various mission environments.
Lim also noted that the platform's modular payloads can be customized to suit mission needs, with several Malaysian defense and emergency response agencies currently evaluating the system through technical demonstrations and field trials. The dog is equipped with Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), infrared or thermal sensors, inertial measurement units (IMUs), cameras, and chemical sensors, enabling it to carry out surveillance, threat detection, and payload delivery with minimal human intervention. Additionally, the Q-UGV is governed by programmed speed limits and collision-avoidance features to ensure public safety and compliance with Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) standards.
Meanwhile, the other robotic dog is by Telekom Malaysia (TM), designed to perform early reconnaissance tasks in high-risk and difficult-to-access areas, including security missions and search and rescue (SAR) operations. TM One Government Business vice-president, Mohamed Faisal Naina Mohamed, stated that the 20 kg robot dog was developed over the past three years through collaboration with an international robotics company, as part of TM's innovations in supporting the national defense and security sectors.
The TM robotic dog is equipped with a 360-degree camera, LiDAR sensor, digital communication system, and the ability to identify obstacles and the environment in real time. It has built-in safety features to avoid collisions with humans or other objects and offers water and dust resistance at IP64 level. It is also capable of carrying additional loads or equipment, including for firefighting and chemical spraying purposes.
According to Mohamed Faisal, the technology has been widely used in several countries, such as China and European nations, particularly in fire and rescue operations. TM plans to enhance the robot's capabilities, including mobility, high temperature resistance, and adaptability to various surfaces for use in the oil and gas industry and other extreme situations.
LIMA'25, in its 17th edition, was opened by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on May 20 and is set to conclude today.