David Awoyode
Ukraine is increasingly deploying ground robots to offset its shortage of manpower in the war with Russia. These machines are used for a variety of tasks, from evacuating the wounded to striking enemy positions.
From Transport to Combat Roles
According to Oleksandr Yabchanka, head of robotic systems for the Da Vinci Wolves Battalion, ground robots currently serve at least eight functions:
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Transporting injured or fallen soldiers
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Laying and clearing mines
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Delivering supplies such as food, water, and ammunition
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Gathering intelligence
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Carrying weapons to fire on Russian troops
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Driving explosives directly into enemy positions
He stressed that using robots as mobile bombs is particularly promising, since they can carry heavier payloads than aerial drones and approach enemy trenches or bunkers with deadly precision.
Explosive Advantage Over Drones
Yabchanka noted that even the largest aerial drones are limited to carrying mines of about 22 pounds, whereas small ground robots can handle more than 48 pounds and often much more. He recalled a recent mission where a robot carrying 66 pounds of explosives drove directly into a Russian basement before detonating.
Major Weaknesses Remain
Despite their potential, the robots face technical flaws. Their cameras provide less intelligence than aerial drones, and obstacles like tall grass can obscure their view. Another challenge is maintaining communications—if the link is lost, the robot becomes useless on the battlefield.
Reducing Soldier Risk
Robots are being tested for casualty evacuation, a task normally requiring several soldiers and exposing them to danger. However, communication breakdowns or mines can leave injured troops stranded. Similarly, using robots to recover bodies has saved lives but still carries risks.
Robots in Offensive Roles
Ukrainian units are experimenting with arming robots with rifles and grenade launchers to fire on Russian positions. Though complex to operate, this allows troops to strike without exposing themselves to return fire. Robots are also taking over hazardous tasks like mine-laying, often under the watch of Russian drones.
Cargo and Supply Carriers
On the logistical side, robots are able to carry supplies that would normally require up to ten soldiers. This capability allows Ukrainian troops to stay supplied while reducing exposure to enemy attacks.
Real-Time Tech Evolution
Yabchanka explained that soldiers sometimes call manufacturers directly from the trenches to discuss improvements. In some cases, troops are finding creative new uses for robots that even designers did not anticipate.
A Race With Russia
The use of ground robots in war is not entirely new, but the scale and innovation seen in Ukraine is unprecedented. Western militaries are closely watching developments, while Russia is racing to adopt similar tactics. For Yabchanka, the key question is not if but when Russia will copy Ukraine’s advances.
Scaling Up Fast
To maintain an advantage, Yabchanka urged European industry to accelerate collaboration with Ukrainian forces. “We need to scale all these things up quicker than the Russians do,” he said.
