Taipei: Taiwanese companies showcased their latest quadrupedal robot developments at Automation Taipei on Wednesday, highlighting applications ranging from infrastructure inspections to firefighting. Swancor Robotech Co., a subsidiary of Swancor Holding Co., announced plans to launch a robot dog fully designed and developed in Taiwan, dubbed the "Taiwanese native dog," by mid-2027. The company plans to begin local assembly by the end of this year and develop core technologies including the robot's "brain," control systems, and joint modules, moving beyond its current role as an importer and distributor.
According to Focus Taiwan, Swancor stated that its robot dogs are capable of performing autonomous navigation, image recognition, voice commands, and environmental sensing for applications such as power facility and factory inspections. These robots can also climb stairs and overcome obstacles, enhancing their versatility in various environments. Swancor Chairman Jauyang Tsai estimated Taiwan's annual robot dog market to exceed 3,000 units, valued at NT$2 billion-NT$3 billion (US$62 million-US$93 million).
Furthermore, the government is actively developing a domestic quadrupedal robot platform. The Industrial Technology Research Institute has collaborated with Compal Electronics, Inventec, and Solomon Technology Corp. to develop robots for firefighting, security, and infrastructure inspections. These advancements have been facilitated by a platform that enables domestic companies to test and replace key components, including motors, visual sensors, and joints. This initiative aims to build a local robotics supply chain and leverage Taiwan's hardware strengths in conjunction with AI and software, as explained by the Ministry of Economic Affairs.