Ukraine deploys ground robots at scale as battlefield shifts to 'technological contest'

The war in Ukraine is increasingly being shaped by a high-tech "technological contest", with unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) taking on a growing share of battlefield roles once performed by infantry, according to military officials and trainers.

Since early 2024, the battery-powered machines — ranging from wheeled to tracked designs — have been deployed widely to reduce risks to soldiers from enemy drones, which have made traditional movement on the front lines more dangerous, says the Guardian.

Ukrainian forces now use land-based robots for a broad set of tasks, including delivering food, ammunition and construction materials, with officials saying they account for around 90% of army logistics. The systems are also used for medical evacuations, laying mines and conducting combat operations when fitted with remotely operated weapons.

Commanders and developers say the machines offer practical advantages over human troops in high-risk environments. Robots do not feel pain and can continue operating even after sustaining damage, while their smaller size makes them less visible to reconnaissance drones compared with conventional armored vehicles.

They are also deployed in areas considered too dangerous for personnel, including positions exposed to first-person-view (FPV) drone attacks. In some cases, robotic systems have held defensive positions for extended periods, including one instance where a system operated for 45 days. Others have been used in long-range missions, such as a strike conducted over a distance of 20 km against an enemy-held building.

Despite these advantages, officials acknowledge a high attrition rate of around 25%, with multiple systems lost daily in some sectors. This, however, is viewed by operators as a "small price to pay" compared with potential human casualties.

Ukraine has developed a training and production ecosystem to support the rapid deployment of the systems. Engineers work closely with frontline units to refine designs and scale manufacturing, while specialized training centres prepare operators.

One such facility, the KillHouse academy in northeastern Ukraine, trains UGV pilots through a combination of classroom instruction, simulators and field exercises. Trainees learn to navigate complex terrain — including forests, snow and swamp-like conditions — using remote consoles.

Instructors at the academy say prior experience with video games can be an advantage. One instructor said former gamers are "more effective than an ordinary serviceman", citing their familiarity with digital interfaces and remote controls.

The growing use of unmanned systems has also contributed to Ukraine's emergence as a hub for defence technology development. Kyiv has signed long-term agreements with countries including Saudi Arabia and Qatar to supply low-cost systems such as drone interceptors.

While Russia has also deployed ground-based platforms, including the electric "Courier" vehicle, Ukrainian officials say they currently hold an advantage in the technology and are focused on expanding production.

Commanders say the increasing role of robotic systems signals a broader shift in warfare, with ground-based unmanned platforms expected to replace a significant share of human roles in logistics and combat.