Scientific expedition team members work with Deep Robotics"s Lynx M20S wheeled-legged robot in the Ailao Mountains in Southwest China"s Yunnan Province File photo: Courtesy of DEEP Robotics

　　A robotic dog developed by Hangzhou-based DEEP Robotics has taken part in a biodiversity expedition in forests of Ailao Mountains in Southwest China"s Yunnan Province, marking the first real-world scientific exploration application of an embodied artificial intelligence (AI) robot.

　　The expedition, jointly organized by ifeng.com"s scientific exploration documentary program and the China Association for Scientific Expedition, focused on biodiversity research in the Ailao Mountains, an area known for its rich species diversity and challenging terrain

　　The LYNX M20S wheeled-legged robot was deployed indense forests, on steep slopes and other locations that are difficult or unsafe for people to reach. During the mission, it carried out route scouting, biological observation, image recording and supplies transport, helping researchers collect data with minimal disturbance to the environment, the company said in a statement sent to the Global Times on Wednesday.

　　Ailao Mountain region is considered one of the most biologically diverse natural ecosystems on Earth and is often referred to as a "natural gene bank of species." Its dense forests, valleys, muddy ground, fallen logs and high humidity create a demanding setting for field science.

　　Weather conditions can change rapidly in the area, with frequent rainfall, fog and thunderstorms, along with sharp temperature swings, placing high demands on equipment reliability and environmental adaptability.