ITS Develops RoboDog with Global Partners

Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) shows how robotics and AI can connect across borders in a very practical way. Together with Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, Nokia, and NVIDIA, ITS researchers have developed RoboDog, an autonomous robotic dog that can be controlled from thousands of kilometres away.

Built at the AI-RAN Research Center in Surabaya, RoboDog brings together several technologies: Indosat’s AI-RAN system, Nokia’s 5G network, NVIDIA’s GPU computing, and ITS’ own robotics expertise.

RoboDog is equipped with cameras and LiDAR sensors, allowing it to understand voice commands, read its surroundings in real time, and carry out inspection tasks on its own. In a recent demo, the robot, located in Surabaya, was able to follow instructions from a user in Barcelona, scanning an area, spotting potential risks, and monitoring unusual activity.

This is made possible by AI-RAN, which embeds AI directly into the 5G network. The result is very low delay, so the robot can respond almost instantly, even when operated from another continent.

The project will be showcased at Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona, highlighting Indonesia’s growing role not just as a user of technology, but also as a developer. For ITS, RoboDog is part of a broader effort to push forward robotics and AI, while strengthening international collaboration and contributing to global priorities in education, innovation, and partnerships.