2025-04-29T09:10:01Z

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In a groundbreaking initiative amid the ongoing conflict, Ukraine has been testing advanced robotic systems in Kyiv, aimed at evacuating wounded soldiers from the frontline. This testing, which began in September 2022, highlights the innovative strides the Ukrainian military is making to adapt to modern warfare challenges. The use of robotics in combat scenarios, particularly for the evacuation of injured personnel, is gaining traction as traditional methods pose significant risks to both the wounded and their rescuers.

Currently, soldiers on the battlefield primarily rely on ground drones as a last resort to evacuate their injured comrades. While these unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) have been utilized throughout the conflict, their employment is limited due to the inherent dangers involved. According to Oleksandr Yabchanka, the head of robotic systems for Ukraine's Da Vinci Wolves Battalion, the technology is still in its formative stages and has yet to become a standard practice.

In an environment rife with mass surveillance, relentless drone strikes, and targeted attacks on medical personnel, UGVs that can evacuate the injured without exposing additional soldiers to danger represent a potential game changer. However, Yabchanka points out that the current models can sometimes exacerbate risks for the injured, leading to hesitancy in their use. He noted, We do not often use robot-based evacuation despite the clear advantages they could provide.

One of the primary concerns is the vulnerability of soldiers during evacuations. Yabchanka elaborates that anytime a team of soldiers attempts to retrieve a wounded comrade, they face significant threats, particularly due to the numerous intelligence drones operated by Russian forces that can easily direct fire toward them. This reality has driven the Ukrainian military to seek robotic alternatives, yet the operational challenges related to UGVs persist.

Yabchanka explained the technical limitations of the current drone systems. They sometimes experience connectivity issues during critical moments when a wounded soldier is being transported. This disconnection can create dire situations where the injured serviceman ends up isolated and vulnerable in the middle of a battlefield without any communication with their unit. He emphasized that previously, even if the evacuation was dangerous, soldiers were at least accompanied by their comrades, offering a sense of solidarity.

The stark reality is that evacuating a wounded soldier typically requires a team of four individuals, all of whom are at risk of being targeted by enemy forces. Yabchanka stated that the ongoing surveillance by drones makes it exceptionally challenging, if not impossible, to evacuate an injured soldier without being observed. Consequently, when conventional methods prove too perilous, they reluctantly turn to the robotized systems.

Despite the promise that UGVs hold for maintaining operational safety on the battlefield, they have not been universally adopted across Ukraines military units. Many battalions are still in the process of integrating this technology into their operations. Notably, Ukrainian companies such as Rovertech and FRDM Group are at the forefront of developing these robotic systems, which are not only used for evacuation but also for tasks like laying mines, transporting equipment, and conducting offensive operations against Russian positions.

As the conflict continues, the race to advance ground drone technology intensifies, with both Ukraine and Russia investing in this area. Yabchanka acknowledged that the question is not whether the Russians will catch up but rather when they will do so. He stressed the urgency for Ukraine to accelerate the development and deployment of its robotic systems.

Ukrainian officials have recognized the critical importance of expanding their robotic capabilities. Intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov indicated that the use of robotic systems is expected to increase significantly, with projections of tens of additional robots being deployed soon. Furthermore, Hlib Kanevskyi, the director of the procurement department at Ukraine's Ministry of Defense, revealed plans to supply an impressive 15,000 robots for combat use in the near future. This ambitious initiative underscores the shift toward more technologically advanced warfare, where robotics play a central role in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of military operations.