ISSUE 5 • SEPTEMBER 2025
CATEGORY: AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS
Dean Wurzell
Senior Technical Program Manager
National Advanced Mobility Consortium (NAMC)
Executive Summary
A recent military parade has sparked global commentary about the innovative technology emerging from China. Part of a broader trend, as the nation is modernizing not only its military but also a wide range of industries and societal aspects. This month, we'll review some of the most interesting and innovative technologies and achievements seen throughout China over the last year.
Feature Story
The Rise of the Robotic Dragon
An Opinion from your “local” Senior Technical Program Manager
Hi everyone! Last issue, we discussed how decentralized networks could enable autonomous systems to work together more efficiently. This month, we're seeing what happens when a nation makes that collaboration a cornerstone of its military and civilian strategy. China is weaving robotics into the very fabric of its national strategy, and a recent military parade gave us a front-row seat to witness the results.
Every morning, I dig through tech news looking for the latest robotics and defense breakthroughs (it's what prompted this newsletter in the first place). Lately, it feels like there's a new headline every single day about some futuristic Chinese drone or nimble robotic dog. Sure, some of these flashy demos turn out to be remote-controlled smoke and mirrors, but the sheer volume of innovation is impossible to dismiss.
China's recent military parade, celebrating the 80th anniversary of Japan's defeat in WWII, wasn't just your typical show of force. As someone who's spent time around military hardware, it's one thing to see a new tank roll by, it's entirely different to watch what felt like a robot family reunion march down the street.