Kathmandu— In northeastern Ukraine, a remotely piloted ground robot named Murakha became temporarily stuck in a trench late one night. The incident, while seemingly minor, highlights a growing trend: the increasing deployment of ground robots by Ukrainian forces to carry ammunition, capture enemy positions, and even evacuate wounded soldiers. These robots, manufactured by companies like Robotic Complexes in Ternopil and numerous startups across Ukraine, are shifting the dynamics of warfare away from traditional man-to-man combat, particularly as Ukraine faces challenges with desertion and conscription.

From Science Fiction to Battlefield Reality

The rescue of Murakha involved another robot pulling it free with a rope – a scene described by an officer identified only as Maska as “like they show in movies.” This anecdote underscores the growing reliance on robotic systems and the unique challenges they present. Maska, who previously fought as infantry, now plans robotic missions, emphasizing the life-saving potential of this technology. He noted that these operations, often planned meticulously for hours, can be completed in mere minutes due to the constant threat of Russian drones.

A Grassroots Revolution in Military Technology

The proliferation of ground robots is part of a broader technological revolution within the Ukrainian army. Ihor Chaikivsky, founder of Robotic Complexes, explained that his initial motivation was simply to avoid being drafted into service himself. He and other entrepreneurs have fostered a “bottom-up” culture of innovation, driven by volunteers and mobilized personnel with diverse backgrounds who quickly adapt new technologies to battlefield needs. This contrasts sharply with Russia’s more traditional military structure, which Chaikivsky believes has hindered its ability to rapidly innovate.

Capabilities and Limitations on the Front Lines

Murakha and similar robots are equipped with cameras, GPS modules, and secure communication systems, allowing pilots to navigate challenging terrain and avoid signal jamming. They can carry hundreds of kilograms of supplies or act as mobile platforms for drones. In April, Ukrainian forces achieved a historic first when two ground robots captured a Russian position in the Kharkiv region – one robot breaching the bunker entrance, the other securing it and accepting the surrender of two soldiers. However, not all servicemen are convinced of their invulnerability; one member of the Russian Volunteer Corps, fighting alongside Ukraine, noted that they remain vulnerable to drone attacks and may be less effective for casualty evacuation.

Scaling Up Innovation for Future Warfare

Lieutenant General Ihor Romanenko emphasizes the need to rapidly scale up these technological solutions. Robotic Complexes designs its robots for quick frontline repairs, prioritizing ease of maintenance based on direct feedback from soldiers. The company’s decentralized manufacturing facilities are also designed to minimize damage in case of Russian missile strikes. This approach reflects Ukraine's broader strategy of leveraging technology to offset manpower shortages and gain a strategic advantage in the ongoing conflict.

Ukraine continues to integrate ground robots into its military operations, seeking to refine their capabilities and address vulnerabilities as the war with Russia evolves.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.