These robot dogs are described as compact, sturdy, and agile
ground drones that are remotely operated by an operator. Their design allows
them to access areas that regular drones cannot reach, such as buildings
occupied by Russian forces or trenches.
The 28th Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed
Forces was reportedly the first to test these robot dogs.
Depending on the modification, the gadgets range in price
from 4,000 to 8,000 euros.
“We were concerned about the increasing reports of losses (of
the Ukrainian Armed Forces) on the front due to enemy drones. So, we discussed the
possibilities of a safer solution for reconnaissance missions in high-risk
areas (...) The results are impressive. Our robot dogs are carrying out
reconnaissance missions on the front lines, reducing risks for human soldiers.
This not only increases combat efficiency but also boosts the army’s morale,”
Bild quoted Brit Alliance CEO Kyle Thorburn as saying.
According to journalists, there are currently over 30 robot
dogs on the front lines of the Russian-Ukrainian war. Thanks to thermal
camouflage produced by the German company Concamo, they are nearly impossible
to detect. The robots can move across the battlefield at speeds of up to 15
km/h and conduct reconnaissance missions within a 3.5 km radius for up to five
hours.
Development of combat robots by Ukraine
On March 12, 2024, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of
Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov announced the mass production of
robotic ground platforms in Ukraine. These robots are designed to destroy
Russian positions and equipment, mine and demine areas, evacuate the wounded,
and deliver ammunition to positions.
“The robots performed successfully at the testing ground,
and in a few months, they will be on the battlefield — hundreds of different
platforms will be purchased through UNITED24,” Fedorov stated.
On April 2, the head of the Ministry of Digital Transformation
reported that Ukrainian servicemen used the Ratel S kamikaze ground robot to
blow up a bridge near Bakhmut, significantly complicating Russian logistics.
On July 16, the Associated Press reported that Ukrainian
startups are successfully creating robots in secret labs to perform combat
missions, mine clearing, and evacuation of the wounded.
On Aug. 11, Kyiv Post reported that Ukraine plans to use BAD
One model robot dogs to carry out dangerous tasks on the front lines, such as
spying on Russian trenches or detecting mines.