Flight Drones Can Enter Passages They Couldn't Before
"Improves Operational Efficiency and Boosts Morale"
In Ukraine, which has been at war with Russia for over two years, it has been confirmed that 'robot dogs' have been deployed. These robot dogs are low-cost products made in China, but equipped with various sensors and camouflage covers, making them useful as reconnaissance units.
Foreign media including AFP reported on the 17th (local time) that the Ukrainian military deployed robot dogs on the battlefield. Currently, the Ukrainian military is utilizing robot dogs for mine detection, reconnaissance, and transportation of weapons and ammunition.
These robot dogs are named 'Bad One' and can perform movements similar to real dogs, such as crouching and running. They are equipped with batteries that last for two hours, thermal cameras, and various sensors, and also have a 'kill switch' function that can delete all stored data if they fall into enemy hands.
The robot dog was confirmed to be the Go2Pro robot dog developed by China's "Unitree." [Image source=YouTube capture]
It is reported that these robot dogs are part of the supplies recently donated by the British government to Ukraine. The German media outlet Bild previously reported that about 30 robot dogs were donated to Ukraine. The supplier of these robot dogs is the British security company 'Drone Alliance,' known for designing and providing drone solutions that can operate in various hazardous environments such as battlefields and maritime areas.
However, the robot dogs themselves are said to be of Chinese origin. The US media outlet Forbes explained that these robot dogs correspond to the 'Go2 Pro' product by the Chinese company 'Unitree.' The price per unit is $3,500, and the weight is 30 pounds. A notable feature is that the legs can be folded for easy transport or carrying, and originally, it was closer to a hobby product. The Go2 Pro used by the Ukrainian military has been modified with various military sensors and camouflage covers.
A reconnaissance soldier covered with a camouflage net and a robot dog moving. [Image source=Capture from X]
So, why does the Ukrainian military prefer robot dogs over drones? Forbes explained, "Robot dogs can enter passages where flying drones cannot." While drones capable of flying through narrow spaces such as building windows or trench passages are extremely rare, robot dogs can do so. Thanks to this, robot dogs are useful in urban warfare environments with many structures like houses.
Another advantage is 'mine clearance.' Drones only fly over mines or booby traps buried underground, but robot dogs can trigger mines. Even if a robot dog is damaged by a mine explosion, it can be easily replaced or repaired. If it can save the life of one soldier, sacrificing a robot dog is always acceptable.
Regarding this, Kyle Sovin, CEO of Brit Alliance, explained in an interview with Bild, "We expressed concerns about the increasing number of casualties caused by enemy drone attacks on the front lines," adding, "We discussed solutions to conduct reconnaissance more safely in high-risk areas, and the resulting robot dogs not only improve operational efficiency but also boost the morale of the military."
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