Ukraine has taken a significant leap in modern warfare by deploying robotic dogs on the battlefield. These machines, supplied by a British company, represent a blend of technological innovation and military strategy.
These robots are not autonomous; instead, they are controlled remotely, offering a versatile and durable alternative to traditional drones. As highlighted by Kurt, a commander in Ukraine’s 28th Mechanized Brigade, in a social media post on the Ministry of Defence’s official account, “Every unit should have one of these dogs.”
The deployment of these robots has generated significant attention. According to a report from the German tabloid Bild, misleadingly titled “Robot dogs sniff out Russian soldiers,” the British company, Brit Alliance, has supplied 30 of these robotic dogs. Contrary to the title, these machines don’t possess sniffing sensors but are used to explore challenging environments, such as buildings, trenches, and dense woodlands, where drones might struggle to operate. Their primary roles include locating booby traps and identifying Russian forces.
The Bild article notes that these robotic dogs can reach speeds of up to 9 mph, have a battery life of up to five hours, and can be controlled from as far as two miles away. Depending on the version, these robots cost between 4,000-8,000 Euros ($4,400-$8,800). In video footage from operations in the Donetsk region, the robots are seen covered with a camouflage blanket made by German supplier Concamo, making them nearly invisible to both visual and thermal imaging. When stationary, the robots blend seamlessly into their surroundings.
Ukrainian fundraising platform United24 highlighted another critical feature of these robots: the ability to instantly erase data if the robot is captured, ensuring that no sensitive information falls into enemy hands.
Despite being identified as the supplier by Bild, Brit Alliance, a UK-based security company, is not a manufacturer of these robots. Internet analysts quickly identified the robots used in Ukraine as Chinese-made Unitree Go2 Pros likened to the legged equivalent of Chinese-made DJI quadcopters—efficient, high-spec machines available at a relatively low cost.
The Unitree Go2 Pro, priced at $3,500 plus $1,000 for shipping from China, boasts a top speed of 11 mph. Weighing under 30 pounds, this robot is easily portable, with legs that fold up for convenient carrying. Its intelligent control system features multiple fisheye cameras and a powerful 1.5 TFlop processor, enabling it to navigate rough terrain and uneven surfaces with stability. Although the Go2 Pro can operate autonomously to some extent, such as following its operator or performing a ‘side follow,’ it is primarily used for scouting missions in challenging locations.
The utility of these robotic dogs on the battlefield is manifold. Unlike drones, which might struggle to navigate certain environments, these robots can easily explore indoor spaces, trenches, and other areas difficult for humans or aerial drones to reach. Furthermore, while drones might fly over booby traps, robotic dogs can trigger them, ensuring a safe path for troops. If a robot dog is damaged or destroyed, it is relatively inexpensive to repair or replace, making it a safer alternative to risking human lives.
Interestingly, military personnel can become attached to these machines. Past experiences with bomb disposal teams in Iraq, who operated the less-appealing iRobot tracked robots, revealed that operators preferred repairing and keeping their robots rather than replacing them, reflecting a strong bond formed with these machines.
The Unitree Go2 Pro also offers additional capabilities, such as carrying payloads up to 9 pounds, which could include sensors, demolition charges, or supplies. Although images from Ukraine have not shown robotic arms fitted to these robots, such an addition could be highly useful for tasks like opening doors or bomb disposal.
One of the robot’s notable features is its long battery life, allowing it to lie in wait for extended periods. This capability could be used for monitoring enemy movements or, in future models, playing a more active role in ambushes.
These quadruped robots trace their origins back to military research, particularly the BigDog developed by Boston Dynamics for the U.S. Army. While Boston Dynamics has since moved away from defense projects, its legacy continues in the form of smaller, more advanced robots like the Spot, which are now used in various industries. Despite the “uncanny valley” effect that makes some people find these robots unsettling, their potential in military applications is undeniable.
BigDog robot at Boston Dynamics (via Getty Images)
While the U.S. military has yet to fully deploy armed robotic dogs, other nations, including China, have begun integrating them into their armed forces. Videos released by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) show Chinese troops training with armed quadruped robots, some resembling the Go2 Pro.
Russia has also experimented with similar technology. At the ARMY-2022 show, a Russian company displayed a “Russian-made M-81 quadruped robot” armed with a rocket launcher, which was later revealed to be a rebranded Chinese Unitree robot, sold at a significantly inflated price.
Ghost Robotics quadruped robot with sniper rifle (via Ghost Robotics)
For now, Ukraine is utilizing its robotic dogs primarily for scouting and reconnaissance, much like how consumer quadcopters were initially used before being adapted for attack missions.