Humanoid Robots To Be Developed For Ukrainian Forces

As part of its ongoing initiative to deploy more ground and aerial drones in order to reduce combat risks to its soldiers, Ukraine is holding a grant competition to develop humanoid robots which can perform like soldiers. Ukraine has received versions of such robots, but found them heavy and prone to breakdown. The new grant will emphasize simplicity and reliability.

Though there are concerns about the use of such machines, especially if not controlled by humans, the Ukrainians believe they have no choice given Russia's unwavering refusal to consider a ceasefire. JL

Taras Safronov reports in Militarnyi:

Ukraine will hold a grant competition to develop humanoid robots for the needs of the Armed Forces. Ukrainian developers will initially focus on creating simpler platforms that will gradually gain more complex functionality. Phantom MK-1 humanoid soldier robots from Foundation were delivered to Ukraine to assess their effectiveness. However, such humanoid robots are heavy and expensive, require regular recharging, are prone to breakdowns, and often lose their balance. Approximately 20 motors power the humanoid’s movement, and each of them must operate flawlessly. The key objective of the initiative is to maximize the automation of the front lines and reduce risks to military personnel. 

Ukraine will hold a grant competition to develop humanoid robots for the needs of the Armed Forces.

Brave1 CEO Andriy Hrytsenyuk announced this during the Brave1 Advantage event, which a Militarnyi’s correspondent attended.

The key objective of the initiative is to maximize the automation of the front lines and reduce risks to military personnel. 

According to Hrytsenyuk, this direction aligns with current global trends, as the field of humanoid robots is actively developing in the U.S. and China.

He emphasized that Ukrainian developers will initially focus on creating simpler platforms that will gradually gain more complex functionality.

Unlike the global civilian sector, the Ukrainian program is geared exclusively toward defense needs and military application scenarios.

It is expected that these new engineering solutions will help the Ukrainian military hold its positions more effectively and carry out missions in combat conditions. 

Humanoid robots in Ukraine

Ukraine has become the world’s primary testing ground for weapons manufacturers, particularly Western startups.

Previously, Phantom MK-1 humanoid soldier robots from Foundation were delivered to Ukraine to assess their effectiveness.

However, such humanoid robots are currently heavy and expensive, require regular recharging, are prone to breakdowns, and often lose their balance. 

Approximately 20 motors power the humanoid’s movement, and each of them must operate flawlessly.

Deploying humanoids alongside regular troops may also pose additional risks.