\n
![](\"https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/GettyImages-2165304734-e1723193234199.jpg?w=2048\")
<\/p>\n [ad_1]
\n<\/p>\n
Ukraine could soon unleash robot dogs on its front lines, replacing soldiers for perilous missions like spying on Russian trenches or detecting mines.<\/p>\n
At a demonstration in an undisclosed part of Ukraine, the metallic dog known as model \u201cBAD One\u201d stood up, crouched, ran and jumped according to commands transmitted by its operator.<\/p>\n
Stealthy and agile, they could soon become an invaluable ally on the front line for an Ukrainian army that is short on manpower to repel the Russian invasion, its makers said.<\/p>\n
Low on the ground and therefore difficult to detect, the robot dogs can use thermal imaging to inspect enemy trenches or the inside of buildings in combat zones.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have surveillance soldiers who get sent on reconnaissance missions (who) are most of the time very highly trained people, very experienced people (and) always exposed to risks,\u201d said the operator who called himself \u201cYuri\u201d, as he showed it off to AFP journalists.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis dog limits the risk for soldiers and increases operational capabilities. This is the core function of the dog,\u201d said the operator, who works for a British company providing military equipment.<\/p>\n
A more advanced model, known as \u201cBAD Two\u201d could not be shown for security reasons.<\/p>\n
The device used in the demonstration has a battery that powers it for around two hours.<\/p>\n
Useful for detecting mines or improvised explosive devices, the robot dog can also be used to carry up to seven kilos (15 pounds)\u00a0of ammunition or medicines to hot spots on the battlefield.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t say how many we deployed\u201d in Ukraine, Yuri said, adding: \u201cBut it will have a significant impact on the operations and increase the safety of soldiers.\u201d<\/p>\n
And if the robot dogs were ever to fall into Russian hands, he said, an emergency switch allows the operator to erase all its data.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n