Articles tagged with "unmanned-ground-vehicle"
Top 7 must-read stories of 2025 — Interesting Engineering
As 2025 concludes, Interesting Engineering highlights its top seven must-read stories that captivated audiences with breakthroughs in engineering, robotics, and materials science. Leading the list is a Penn State aerospace engineering graduate student who solved a century-old mathematical problem related to wind turbine optimization, significantly improving power output by amending Hermann Glauert’s rotor disk solution. Robotics also featured prominently, with Chinese humanoid robots demonstrating advanced combat skills ahead of the world’s first robot boxing match, showcasing the rapid evolution of robotic capabilities. Other notable stories include the creation of the strongest-ever armor material by U.S. scientists, featuring a novel two-dimensional mechanically interlocked polymer with exceptional strength and flexibility, promising future applications in lightweight body armor. Rheinmetall Canada’s Mission Master 2.0 unmanned ground vehicle successfully completed a challenging sea-to-shore transit, proving its autonomous operational capabilities. Additionally, FBR Limited’s Hadrian bricklaying robot demonstrated remarkable efficiency by laying up to 360 blocks per hour, signaling a
robothumanoid-robotswind-turbinesenergy-optimizationadvanced-materialsunmanned-ground-vehiclerobotics-technologyPhotos: Robot dog gets manipulator arm to help out first responders and workers
Ghost Robotics has introduced a new Manipulator Arm for its Vision 60 Quadruped Unmanned Ground Vehicle (Q-UGV), enhancing the robot dog’s ability to perform complex tasks such as opening doors, handling objects, and operating both indoors and outdoors. This lightweight, modular arm offers six degrees of freedom and force-sensitive control, allowing it to manipulate tools and objects with precision while maintaining the robot’s agility. Designed for use in defense, public safety, and industrial sectors, the arm extends the Vision 60’s capabilities to hazardous or hard-to-reach environments, thereby improving safety for first responders, military personnel, and inspectors. The Manipulator Arm can extend up to one meter, weighs 10.6 kg, and can grip with a force of 11.3 kg, carrying continuous payloads of up to 3.75 kg. It is built to withstand extreme temperatures (from –40 to 55 °C) and meets IP67 standards for dust and water resistance.
robotroboticsmanipulator-armunmanned-ground-vehicleindustrial-automationdefense-technologypublic-safety-roboticsNew all-terrain Thor ground robot can clear minefields in war zones
Spanish startup Voltrac has raised over USD 8.1 million in a seed funding round led by climate-focused VC Extantia to scale production of its all-terrain electric unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), Thor. Designed to address labor shortages in agriculture and front-line logistics, Thor can autonomously or remotely operate across farms and conflict zones. It features 70% fewer components than traditional models, a battery capacity three times larger than competitors, and a fully swappable power system. Thor can integrate with existing farm implements and perform tasks such as plowing, seeding, and crop treatment, while also switching to non-lethal defense roles including logistics, surveillance, and demining. Thor’s ability to haul four tonnes over rugged terrain makes it valuable for high-risk environments like Ukraine’s front lines, where it has attracted interest for on-site trials. Voltrac emphasizes non-lethal defense applications to reduce personnel risk and plans to enhance Thor’s autonomous capabilities using reinforcement learning to optimize crop treatments
robotunmanned-ground-vehicleagriculture-roboticsautonomous-vehicleselectric-robotdemining-technologyfront-line-logistics1,360-pound NUMO ground robot deployed by Ukraine to support troops
The Ukrainian defense ministry has approved the domestically developed NUMO ground robot for operational use, marking a significant advancement in frontline logistics and troop support. Created by Lviv-based company Tank Bureau, NUMO is a versatile, modular unmanned ground vehicle weighing 1,367 pounds when fully loaded and capable of carrying up to 661 pounds of cargo. Designed to reduce risks to soldiers, it can be equipped with various attachments such as turrets, relay masts, wire cutters, and mine-clearing tools. The robot can navigate difficult terrains like forests and wetlands, deploy rapidly within 10 minutes, and travel up to 28 miles on four batteries at speeds of 4 mph. NUMO supports multiple communication systems, including Wi-Fi, Starlink, LTE, and others, with a control range of about 4,921 feet, and features the “Droid Box” module for enhanced communication capabilities. It also serves as the base for the Droid TW reconnaissance and assault system, which is armed
robotunmanned-ground-vehiclemilitary-roboticsautonomous-systemsbattlefield-technologycommunication-systemsdefense-technologyRheinmetall’s Amphibious Robot Can Go Where US Army Can’t
Rheinmetall’s Mission Master XT is a 2.2-ton autonomous amphibious unmanned ground vehicle designed to operate in extreme environments, from Arctic cold to desert heat. Equipped with a hybrid diesel-electric powertrain and self-inflating tires, it offers a range of up to 750 km and can continue moving even after tire damage. The vehicle integrates Rheinmetall’s PATH Autonomy Kit, enabling it to navigate difficult terrain, haul heavy loads, and perform combat tasks without direct human control. The Mission Master XT serves multiple battlefield roles, including delivering supplies, evacuating wounded soldiers, and engaging enemies with a mounted weapon system. Its amphibious capabilities and adaptability make it a versatile asset that extends the operational reach and resilience of modern militaries. Demonstrated in field operations with Norwegian and Nordic forces, the XT exemplifies the future of autonomous warfare—machines that operate alongside soldiers to enhance mission effectiveness rather than replace them.
robotautonomous-vehiclesmilitary-technologyhybrid-powertrainunmanned-ground-vehicleamphibious-robotbattlefield-roboticsUS: World’s first microwave-armed robot zaps drone swarms in seconds
The United States defense firms Epirus and General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) have jointly unveiled the world’s first autonomous robotic system armed with high-power microwave (HPM) technology designed to counter drone swarms rapidly and precisely. Named the Leonidas Autonomous Robotic (Leonidas AR), the system integrates Epirus’ Leonidas HPM weapon with GDLS’s 10-ton hybrid-electric tracked unmanned ground vehicle (TRX). This mobile platform can disable multiple hostile drones simultaneously within seconds by emitting bursts of weaponized electromagnetic interference, offering a “one-to-many engagement capability” that minimizes collateral damage compared to conventional kinetic air-defense methods. The Leonidas AR system is software-defined, allowing operators to adjust output frequencies, create safe zones, and update performance remotely, enhancing adaptability across diverse mission requirements. The TRX vehicle provides robust mobility and autonomy, capable of traveling over 300 miles on a single charge at speeds up to 45 mph, with all-terrain capability and 360-degree radar sensing
robotautonomous-vehiclehigh-power-microwavedrone-defenseAI-enhancedhybrid-electricunmanned-ground-vehicleUkrainian troops deploy ground robot to rescue cat from frontline
Ukrainian troops on the Kharkiv front recently conducted a unique operation using an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) to rescue a cat named “Prapor” from frontline positions. The robotic vehicle, initially deployed to deliver supplies to forward troops, was remotely operated to safely transport the cat away from the dangerous line of contact. Prapor had lived alongside soldiers for months, becoming a morale-boosting companion and earning the status of a “combat participant.” The three-hour mission ended with the cat relocated to a safer base, illustrating the expanding humanitarian and logistical roles of ground robots in Ukraine’s military efforts. This operation highlights a broader trend in Ukraine’s use of robotics in warfare, where UGVs serve multiple functions beyond combat, including resupply, reconnaissance, and medical evacuation. Ukrainian forces have increasingly relied on these systems to reduce risks to personnel, such as ferrying ammunition under fire or retrieving wounded soldiers from hazardous areas. The rescue of Prapor, alongside similar stories
robotunmanned-ground-vehiclemilitary-roboticsbattlefield-logisticsrobotic-rescueautonomous-vehicleshumanitarian-roboticsCanadian ground robot survives Atlantic drop, crawls back to shore
Rheinmetall Canada successfully tested its Mission Master 2.0 unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) by dropping it from a warship into the Atlantic Ocean and having it autonomously navigate to a Portuguese beach during NATO’s Robotic Experimentation and Prototyping exercise on September 23, 2025. This amphibious trial demonstrated the UGV’s ability to complete a sea-to-shore transit and operate on land without human towing or recovery. The vehicle was equipped with a modular kit including a tethered drone from France’s Elistair, Echodyne radar from the U.S., and Rheinmetall’s own sensor package, designed to support scouting, sensing, and communications during amphibious operations. The Mission Master family covers various sizes and mission types such as surveillance, logistics, casualty evacuation, and fire support, all using Rheinmetall’s Path autonomous kit that enables follow, convoy, and fully autonomous modes. The tested version incorporated operator feedback to improve robustness and stability,
robotunmanned-ground-vehicleamphibious-robotautonomous-systemsmilitary-roboticsRheinmetall-Mission-Masterrobotic-experimentationGhost Robotics’ Vision 60: Soldier’s New Best Friend?
The Ghost Robotics Vision 60 is a quadruped unmanned ground vehicle designed for military applications, resembling a dog but built specifically for combat environments. Weighing 51 kg and equipped with an NVIDIA AI system, it can navigate challenging terrains by climbing, crawling, and swimming—capabilities that surpass traditional wheeled vehicles. Its multifunctional role includes scouting, carrying equipment, and creating 3D threat maps, making it a versatile asset on the battlefield. Engineered to endure extreme conditions ranging from Arctic cold to desert heat, the Vision 60 combines endurance, autonomy, and adaptability to support soldiers in diverse environments. By integrating advanced AI and robust mobility, this robotic platform aims to enhance battlefield reconnaissance and operational efficiency, potentially becoming a critical tool for future military operations.
robotunmanned-ground-vehicleAI-roboticsmilitary-technologyquadruped-robotautonomous-robotbattlefield-roboticsCompact T4 bomb disposal robots bring haptic ‘touch’ to UK forces
The UK armed forces have introduced the L3Harris T4 bomb disposal robots, described as the “world’s most capable” threat-neutralizing unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs). These medium-sized robots are being deployed with British Army and Royal Navy explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) teams across the UK, Cyprus, and Gibraltar as part of a £32 million program to acquire 50 units. The T4 robots feature advanced controls, high-definition cameras, and a haptic feedback system that allows operators to “feel” what the robot’s arm touches, enhancing precision in handling explosive threats. Compared to the larger T7 models already in service, the more compact T4s weigh about 100 kilograms, can maneuver in confined spaces, climb stairs, and fit into standard 4×4 vehicles, making them ideal for rapid emergency response. The T4 robots share a haptic interface with the T7, enabling near-human dexterity for tasks such as unzipping bags or manipulating suspicious
robotbomb-disposalunmanned-ground-vehiclehaptic-feedbackmilitary-technologyexplosive-ordnance-disposalL3HarrisMini tank-like hydrogen robot runs 20 hours on single charge
The article introduces Hermione, a hydrogen-powered unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) developed jointly by Polish firm P.H.U. Lechmar and French company H2X-Defense, unveiled at the 2025 International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO) in Kielce. Hermione is designed as a modular, versatile platform capable of carrying payloads up to two tons and performing various battlefield roles, including drone transport, logistics support, reconnaissance, and combat when equipped with remote weapon stations or advanced sensors. The demonstrator model shown carried a 300-kilogram payload, measured approximately 11 feet long, and weighed around 700 kilograms. It features all-wheel drive, a top speed of 24 mph, and is built to operate in tough environments. At the core of Hermione is a hydrogen propulsion system powered by fuel cells housed in TPED-certified cylinders, driving eight 8 kW hub-mounted electric motors, supplemented by a 25 kWh battery pack. This combination enables the UGV to
robothydrogen-powerunmanned-ground-vehicleenergy-storagefuel-cellsclean-energybattlefield-technologyUkraine mounts grenade launcher on tank-like drone for 3,600-ft range
The article reports on a significant advancement in unmanned combat support capabilities through the integration of a 40mm automatic grenade launcher onto the Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System (THeMIS), a tank-like unmanned ground vehicle (UGV). Developed by Estonian company Milrem Robotics in collaboration with Ukrainian defense firm Frontline, the BURIA remote weapon station (RWS) mounted on THeMIS enables precise target engagement at ranges up to 3,609 feet (1,100 meters). This integration was validated through live-fire trials in Ukraine under operational conditions, demonstrating excellent stability, target tracking, and accuracy while enhancing operator safety by allowing remote operation. The THeMIS platform, known for its modularity and versatility, is already recognized as the most capable UGV deployed by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in their conflict with Russia. The BURIA grenade launcher system has been in service since January 2025 and is now in serial production, with ongoing training programs for frontline deployment. Both companies emphasize that
robotunmanned-ground-vehiclemilitary-droneremote-weapon-stationdefense-technologyrobotic-warfarecombat-roboticsBulletproof robot joins Ukraine frontlines to haul gear, clear mines
Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense has officially approved the “Dodger,” a new bulletproof unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) designed by Ukrainian engineers to support frontline operations. The compact, wheeled Dodger can carry up to 250 kilograms (551 pounds) of cargo, primarily serving battlefield logistics by transporting ammunition, equipment, and supplies under fire. It is armored against small arms and battlefield debris, enabling it to operate safely in contested areas and reduce risks to human personnel. The Dodger also has adaptability for casualty evacuation missions, reflecting Ukraine’s broader strategy to automate logistics and combat support through unmanned systems amid the ongoing war with Russia. The introduction of the Dodger is part of a rapid expansion of Ukraine’s unmanned ground force, which by mid-2025 includes over 80 robotic systems across combat and support roles. These range from logistics drones to weaponized UGVs like the Termit (carrying 300 kilograms), the grenade-launcher-equipped Shablia, the flameth
robotunmanned-ground-vehiclemilitary-roboticsbattlefield-logisticsautonomous-systemsUkraine-defense-technologyrobotic-platformsNew thermobaric robot tank burns enemies in half-a-mile range
robotunmanned-ground-vehiclethermobaricmilitary-technologydrone-warfareelectric-motorsbattlefield-innovation