Taiwan is pushing its traditional factories toward AI and defense work, a positive sign for the island's machine tool makers and its push for self-made military gear.

• Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim toured an AI and smart manufacturing expo in Taichung and met with equipment makers.
• The focus was on turning old-line factories into AI and defense suppliers, with dual-use military and civilian tech front and center.
• Two Taiwanese firms showed a four-legged robot dog with high-torque joint parts designed and built entirely in Taiwan, which she singled out for praise.
• The show also gathered drones, self-driving robots, and precision machining — all areas Taiwan wants to control end to end rather than import.

Outlook: Expect more government backing for Taiwanese-made robotics and drone parts as the island tries to cut its reliance on foreign suppliers for defense.