TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taipei's Deputy Mayor Lee Shu-chuan (李四川) unveiled Tuesday (Aug. 26) an "Intelligent Robotic Dog" (智能機器狗) that ignited online controversy over its mainland China, the People's Republic of China, origins. The technology promises to revolutionize pedestrian environment inspections across Taiwan's capital through an innovative panoramic survey system designed for precise positioning. Lee's announcement highlighted the city's embrace of advanced robotics despite public concerns about the device's Chinese manufacturing.
The deputy mayor emphasized the robotic technology's ability to overcome traditional inspection limitations while navigating areas completely inaccessible to conventional vehicles. Lee highlighted how this technological advancement significantly improves inspection accuracy and simultaneously helps build a comprehensive urban infrastructure database. The innovation directly supports Taipei's ambitious goal of creating a more innovative and environmentally sustainable urban environment for its residents.
Lee noted that current inspections require human workers to carry heavy equipment through city streets and sidewalks. Clear weather conditions make these inspections manageable, but rainy days create significantly more challenging and potentially dangerous working conditions on slippery surfaces. The deputy mayor acknowledged the robotic dog's mainland China origins but characterized it as merely a temporary tool until Taipei develops its own indigenous robotic technology. ◼