Congress is concerned about the potential use of robot dogs with machine guns on the battlefield.

During discussions on the annual defense authorization bill, House lawmakers included a provision requiring the Defense Department to assess the threat posed by “rifle-toting robot dogs used by China.”

This issue gained attention after Chinese military officials showcased armed robotic quadrupeds in recent drills with Cambodia.

A video released by state-run CCTV showed a 110-pound robot dog carrying and firing an automatic rifle, with a military spokesman highlighting its potential role in urban combat, the Military Times reported.

While the U.S. military has experimented with robot dogs for reconnaissance and support, the concept of armed robot dogs has prompted House members to request an investigation into the national security threat.

The amendment was adopted without objection, but it must still pass Senate negotiations and potential amendments before becoming law.

The Senate will debate its version of the bill in the coming weeks.

Written by B.C. Begley