Robot Turtle on the battlefield – Photo: RIA
Konstantin Bagdasarov – CEO of Russia-based robot development company Argo – told RIA Novosti News Agency: Turtle Robot (Turtle) has been used in the Luhansk People’s Republic (LPR).
“The prototype of the Turtle robot is currently operating at the LPR, creating a communication line between Russian military groups. Its main task is to provide ammunition and food. In particular, the robot also transports mines to the groups soldiers,” Mr. Bagdasarov told reporters.
According to Bagdasarov, the robot can transport up to 500kg at a distance of 5km. Because the robot runs on electricity, it does not make noise or “glow” in the thermal spectrum. It is also difficult to detect with the naked eye due to its modest stature: less than 1 meter tall.
The robot is designed to support infantry soldiers, so its fastest moving speed is only 10km/h, hence the nickname Turtle. Bagdasarov also noted that the robot can track the radio tag that the group of soldiers carries.
Currently, the company is developing additional Turtle robots with electronic maps of the area, remote sensing laser devices to scan the ground and satellite communication systems. The new versions will be larger and have separate chassis, wheels and tracks.
Many reports say that Russia and Ukraine are turning to using “rudimentary robots” to replace soldiers in combat.
Russia previously put into use a combat robot called Marker, which can automatically identify and attack pre-designated targets.
They are also testing another robot on the Ukrainian battlefield, the Zubilo, a 13.3-ton ground attack vehicle with the ability to carry a payload of up to 2.7 tons.
Zubilo is capable of withstanding explosive devices, while also performing a number of additional functions, such as distributing ammunition, transporting cargo, evacuating wounded soldiers and even providing power for radios and quadcopters. .
The war in Ukraine has become a testing ground for new technology, with autonomous systems becoming increasingly popular. In that context, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous systems in the war is attracting global attention.
