In Ukraine,
robots are being used in the ongoing conflict with Russia. These robots, known as Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs), are being used to transport cargo and ammunition for Russian troops. However, they are also being targeted by Ukrainian drones, which are attempting to destroy them. To counter this threat, UGVs are being equipped with technology to defeat these drones.
According to Ostapchuk, the small robot has a range of 2 to 3 kilometers, which can be extended with a ground station that amplifies the radio signals used to control it. Larger robots can be controlled by a human 40 to 60 kilometers behind it. In areas such as Zaporizhzhia and the Donbas region, it is crucial for UGVs to have technology to defeat FPV drones that may be targeting objects on the ground.
In a testing video, one of the Ratel UGVs is approached by a drone which appears to crash into the ground and stop working. Despite this, more UGVs are being developed, which are likely to take on greater roles in the
Near the Ukrainian city of Avdiivka, a boxy robot zips along the rocky, cracked road. Snaking from side to side, the robot—a four-wheeled machine, around knee height—carries cargo and ammunition for Russian troops. However, it's being watched. Hovering above the road, tracking the movements of the robot, is a Ukrainian drone. Suddenly, another drone smashes into the robot, blowing it to pieces .