Robotic dogs on the frontline: Ukraine's battle innovation

As noted by Defence Romania, the Ukrainian operational group Khortycja reported on Telegram that soldiers are using robotic dogs to observe the frontline. "The consolidated unit ‘Medoid’ [Honey Badger], along with its irreplaceable assistant, is successfully thinning the ranks of the occupiers in eastern Ukraine," they wrote in a post, which included a video showing robots resembling those from science fiction films. Let's recall what these solutions are.

The latest footage shows the robotic dogs used by the Ukrainian 28th Mechanised Brigade. These devices were provided by the British company Brit Alliance. The Ukrainians reportedly received around 30 of these advanced devices. In August, Bild reported that the devices were equipped with German camouflage, and the price of a single unit ranges from £3,400 to even £6,900, depending on the equipment. The service also noted that the British plan to develop robotic dogs based on the experiences of Ukrainian soldiers.

Robotic Dogs in Ukraine carry out many dangerous missions, replacing soldiers in them and thus protecting their lives. For example, the devices can be used for scouting Russian trenches, detecting mines, and transporting small loads, including ammunition and medicines. The British have created the "BAD One" dog model, which can stand up, crouch, run, and jump - depending on the command given by its pilot. They have also developed a more advanced model, "BAD Two," but little is known about it.

The Ukrainians do not report which models of robotic dogs they are using or how many have already been deployed on the frontline. However, they emphasise that these solutions are quiet, agile, and low-height. This combination of features makes the devices difficult to detect and capable of surprising the Russians, especially when assigned to reconnaissance missions.

As we have already reported, robotic dogs may vary in equipment. Most, however, have thermal imaging cameras for inspecting enemy trenches or buildings in conflict areas. Robotic dogs record their surroundings and transmit images to the pilot in real-time. Additionally, they can carry loads weighing up to 7 kilograms and have an open infrastructure, allowing integration with various technologies.