Ukrainian Companies Mount Weapons on Ground Robots for Remote Operations Against Russian Forces

Ukrainian defense companies are mounting autonomous weapon stations on ground robots to strike Russian positions while keeping operators kilometers away from the front. Frontline Robotics converted its Buria turret, previously fixed on a tripod to fire grenades or a machine gun, into a mobile system that rides on robotic vehicles.

" Two operators located 20, 40, or 50 kilometers outside the combat zone now drive the armed robots through forest lines to intercept Russian infiltration groups.

Rozhkov said the shift began after the start of last year, when the main use of the Buria was a hidden stationary position. The company now makes small product changes up to 20 times a month and major updates every six months, drawing direct feedback from soldiers that arrives in its inbox 24 hours a day.

Ukraine's defense minister stated earlier this month that ground robots have completed more than 50,000 logistics and evacuation missions since January.

Ukrainian officials had previously reported 2,000 missions in the six months before December. DevDroid installs grenade launchers and machine guns on its ground robots for the same reason, according to its director of R&D, Oleg Fedoryshyn. Oleksandr Yabchanka, head of robotic systems for the Da Vinci Wolves Battalion, said armed robots can enter Russian trenches, close on enemy soldiers, and continue firing under heavy fire.

Ground robots are also used to evacuate wounded troops, carry supplies, lay and remove mines, and attack. Ukraine captured a Russian position for the first time using only aerial drones and ground robots without infantry, and Russian soldiers have surrendered to the machines. Rozhkov said the goal is to defend areas "without humans" and keep Ukrainian soldiers farther from the fighting.