Summary:
Ukrainian startups are revolutionizing demining efforts with innovative technologies.
The "Zmiy" (Snake) remote vehicle reduces demining risks and costs significantly.
Ukraine aims to clear 80% of mined land in the next 10 years.
Drones equipped with sensors are helping to map hazardous areas faster.
Each "Zmiy" vehicle costs about $20,000, compared to up to €1 million for foreign machines.
Editor’s Note
This story is sponsored by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine.
When a sapper known as "Boroda" approached the founders of Rovertech, he presented a design for a remote demining solution. Inspired by this request, they developed the "Zmiy" (Snake) remote vehicle, a groundbreaking initiative in Ukraine's effort to tackle the mine crisis exacerbated by the ongoing conflict.
The Mine Crisis
Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine has been declared the most mined country globally, risking lives for generations. An estimated 174,000 square kilometers of land are potentially contaminated, yet Ukraine has managed to clear over 35,000 square kilometers of hazardous areas.
"Zmiy" (Snake) remote demining vehicle showcased during the second phase of unmanned sensor testing.
Despite these efforts, 139,000 square kilometers remain unsafe, which is larger than Greece or Bulgaria. Current demining practices could take over 700 years to clear all contaminated areas, but Ukrainian officials aim to clear 80% within the next decade using innovative technologies.
Innovative Technologies Leading the Way
With support from UNDP, Ukraine is becoming a pioneer in mine action innovations. Companies like UADamage are using drones equipped with sensors to map contaminated areas. This approach could significantly reduce the demining timeframe, potentially less than 10 years.
Collaborative Efforts
The Ukrainian Researchers Society collaborates with UADamage to analyze satellite images, identifying contaminated regions through advanced AI techniques. This technology is crucial for making areas safe for agricultural use, as mines have claimed the lives of 199 farmers since the war began.
Fieldwork of the Ukrainian Researchers Society focused on clearing mines from agricultural land.
The Role of Robotics
The "Zmiy" ground drone stands out as the first certified remote demining vehicle in Ukraine. Weighing nearly a ton, it can withstand mine explosions and is significantly cheaper than foreign alternatives, costing only around $20,000 compared to up to €1 million for other machines. Rovertech aims to produce 700 vehicles to effectively tackle the demining challenge.
A screenshot from a video showcasing the “Zmiy” ground drone.
Conclusion
The innovations and collaborative efforts from startups in Ukraine are not only transforming mine clearance but also saving lives. Each advancement in technology signifies a step towards a safer future for the Ukrainian people, illustrating the resilience and ingenuity of the nation in the face of adversity.
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