Ukraine’s ground robot army still finding its feet
Milrem Robotics’ THeMIS ground robot can autonomously complete a pre-defined route. (Photo: Milrem Robotics)
Ukraine’s quest to replace soldiers with robots is hitting technical snags. Shephard spoke with industry leaders about difficulties in the field and what solutions are in the pipeline.
Ukraine hopes that the development of ground robots will help remove human soldiers from the frontlines, transforming the war with Russia into a futuristic tech game.
While the developments have hit obstacles as telecommunications systems supporting the ground robots’ missions are not fit for the task, solutions are already in the works.
Ivan Movchan’s determination to build the best combat-ready ground robot was forged in the heat of the Battle of Kharkiv.
At that time, the Ukrainian Scale Company, of which Movchan is the CEO, was manufacturing industrial scales and weighbridges, selling mostly to other Eastern European countries. When tanks rolled
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
![October land forces roundup: AUSA dominates as list narrows for new British Army vehicle]()
October land forces roundup: AUSA dominates as list narrows for new British Army vehicle
New counter-drone technologies, autonomous launchers and manufacturing modernisation initiatives highlighted emerging opportunities for defence suppliers, while the UK advanced a major military vehicle procurement programme.
-
![Front-line support: how UK industry is helping tackle Ukraine’s landmine challenges]()
Front-line support: how UK industry is helping tackle Ukraine’s landmine challenges
Pearson Engineering has provided equipment and engineering expertise to the Armed Forces of Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022. The British company is now working to deepen engagement with the Ukrainian defence industry, expanding its support for the country’s population and laying the foundations for future technological innovation.
-
![AUSA 2026: companies adapt munitions and missiles for greater effect at lower costs]()
AUSA 2026: companies adapt munitions and missiles for greater effect at lower costs
Rather than developing entirely new weapons, defence companies are looking to build on existing weapons and systems to deliver greater capability, control costs and accelerate fielding.
-
![AUSA 2026: industry looks to make commercial platforms a military reality]()
AUSA 2026: industry looks to make commercial platforms a military reality
With a production rate of more than 10 million vehicles annually, the US commercial car and vehicle manufacturing base is second only to China. Defence companies are looking at how the vehicles, technology and manufacturing capability can support programmes.
