MoD reveals tasks performed by robotic systems on front line
Ground-based robotic systems (GRS) enable highly complex tasks to be performed with maximum protection for military personnel.
According to Ukrinform, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense stated: "The realities of the current war dictate the only correct solution: machines, not people, should fight. Innovations that until recently seemed like futuristic concepts have already become an integral part of the Ukrainian army, allowing it to perform extremely complex tasks with maximum protection for military personnel."
Ground robotic systems have evolved from simple cargo carts to full-fledged combatants with armored capsules and secure communications. These steel machines are controlled by a new generation of specialists – operators of logistics and evacuation tracked (wheeled) ground robotic complexes with the military registration specialty VOS 129.
The Ministry of Defense explained what makes GRS operators unique.
An GRS operator is a military specialist who conducts combat operations, evacuates the wounded, and provides logistics using ground drones while remaining outside the immediate danger zone. Their work ensures the destruction of the enemy, logistics, and evacuation in real time.
He is responsible for the departure and return of the GRS (except for kamikaze complexes).
The specialist ensures the safe operation and functioning of the complexes.
The operator monitors and analyzes the work of the machines, ensures their smooth operation and timely maintenance.
As noted by the Ministry of Defense, the operator's workplace is more like a high-tech control station. His equipment includes medium and heavy ground drones (tracked or wheeled), a control panel and ground stations, as well as a protected laptop and tablet with navigation.
Batteries, charging stations, portable power stations, and advanced communication systems (radios, antennas, and repeaters) are used to ensure the smooth and stable operation of the systems. In addition, the crew is equipped with electronic warfare equipment, repair kits, and tactical gear (backpacks, gloves, tools).
The platform itself is designed for logistics and combat. It is equipped with day and night cameras, communication devices, and data transmission channels.
The Ministry of Defense emphasized that its tasks on the front line are extremely important: direct enemy strikes, remote mining, logistics, and evacuation. Heavy versions of such platforms are capable of carrying up to 500 kilograms of cargo and covering dozens of kilometers of rough terrain. Moreover, the functionality of ground drones on the battlefield is constantly expanding.
There are already known and confirmed unique cases when, with the help of UAVs, the Ukrainian military managed to exert successful psychological and fire pressure, forcing the enemy to surrender directly to a ground drone.
The interface for interacting with the machine is a control panel that provides control over movement, communication channels, and data transmission. Its key parameters are ergonomics, autonomous power supply, stable communication with minimal delay, and protection from enemy interference.
Small arms are not a key tool for the operator. They serve as a means of personal protection for the crew and are used for self-defense, guarding positions, logistics routes, and safe evacuation in case of threat. However, their presence is critical to preserving the life and health of the team, the Ministry of Defense emphasized.
As noted by the ministry, in order to master this new specialty, military personnel undergo thorough training, which begins with basic general military training.
This is followed by an intensive professional stage:
- An advanced level of tactical medicine training.
- Training in the use of software and hardware complexes, navigation and radio communication systems.
- Intensive practice in operating various types of drones.
- Additional training in camouflage, as well as working with additional communication and power supply equipment.
According to the Ministry of Defense, the training process is constantly being improved. Today, unique virtual GRS simulators are actively used for training in training centers, and military personnel can even learn the theory through specialized training courses in the Army+ app.
“Serving as an GRS operator is an opportunity to master some of the most promising technologies in modern military equipment. This is a real way to save the lives of military personnel thanks to the introduction of logistics drones and safe evacuation to the GRS,” the Ministry of Defense said.
"The development of advanced knowledge and skills in the field of MilTech opens up opportunities for soldiers to successfully apply this unique experience and skills in civilian spheres after victory. In fact, a soldier in this position acquires a ready-made profession as a robotics engineer, which will be in demand in civilian logistics, the agricultural sector, and humanitarian demining," the Ministry of Defense emphasized.
As reported by Ukrinform, the Airborne Assault Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine showed a video of an operation to evacuate a wounded soldier from a position in the Pokrovsk direction using a ground-based robotic complex.
Photo: Brave1, illustrative