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Ukraine pushes AI combat robots despite defence minister’s dismissal

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Ukraine is advancing its development of AI-powered combat robots to save soldiers' lives, with engineers like Eduard Trotsenko creating prototypes for various battlefield roles.
  • Despite the recent dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, a key proponent of drone technology, industry insiders believe the momentum in military innovation is irreversible.
  • Ground drones are currently used for logistics and evacuating wounded soldiers, but combat-ready prototypes equipped with AI and weaponry are undergoing testing.

Ukrainian engineer Eduard Trotsenko is at the forefront of developing autonomous weapons, driven by a desire to reduce human casualties on the battlefield. In his garage workshop, Trotsenko showcases prototypes like "robot dogs" and "mechanical birds," envisioning a future where robots play a crucial role in saving soldiers' lives.

In order to save human lives, to save soldiers, there must be robots.

— Eduard TrotsenkoThe Ukrainian engineer explained his motivation for developing autonomous weapons.

"In order to save human lives, to save soldiers, there must be robots," Trotsenko told AFP. His company, Temerland, specializes in ground drones – autonomous vehicles designed to navigate the dangerous "kill zone" where constant drone activity poses a threat. These robots currently assist in evacuating wounded soldiers and transporting supplies, thereby minimizing the need to send more personnel into harm's way.

However, Trotsenko is pushing the boundaries further, developing combat-ready prototypes. One is equipped with an RPG rocket launcher, and another with a heavy machine gun, both controlled by onboard artificial intelligence. These advanced systems are currently undergoing testing with various brigades, awaiting approval from the General Staff for wider deployment.

They’re currently being tested in some brigades.

— Eduard TrotsenkoHe described the current status of combat robot prototypes.

The push for technological advancement in Ukraine's military has been significantly bolstered by former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. He championed the creation of the Defence AI Center A1, a hub focused on integrating AI into the military and rapidly deploying new technologies based on real-time feedback from the front lines. Fedorov also actively encouraged private companies to participate in the military system, fostering innovation through competition.

The young people there won’t let it go. There’ll definitely be drones.

— Eduard TrotsenkoHe expressed confidence in the continuation of military innovation despite personnel changes.

Despite Fedorov's recent dismissal, which raised concerns among some in the industry, Trotsenko and other military personnel remain optimistic. "The young people there won’t let it go. There’ll definitely be drones," Trotsenko asserted, indicating that the trajectory of military innovation in Ukraine is unlikely to change. The war with Russia has accelerated the adoption of autonomous weapons, with aerial drones widely used for reconnaissance and delivering explosives, while ground robots support crucial logistical operations.

In a private company, you can take risks more quickly.

— Eduard TrotsenkoHe commented on the benefits of involving private companies in military development.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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