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Military Robots Central to Russia's Strategy with Critical Priority Confirmed at Technopolis ERA.
In an era of conflicts increasingly shaped by robotics and artificial intelligence, modern militaries are turning to autonomous technologies to gain an edge on the battlefield. The war in Ukraine, though not the first to involve drones, has marked a pivotal shift in military robotics, with drones deployed en masse in air, land, and maritime domains. The extensive use of drones in this conflict has pushed engaged nations, particularly Russia, to make substantial investments in robotic technologies. Within this context, the Russian government has prioritized the development of military robots, a commitment underscored during a strategic session held on October 4, 2024, at Technopolis ERA, a cutting-edge military research center in Anapa, where key players in Russia’s defense sector convened to chart future advancements in this field.
Technopolis ERA, a nerve center for military innovation in Russia, has emerged as a focal point for new technologies in the Russian military sector (Picture source: Russian MoD)
Technopolis ERA, a nerve center for military innovation in Russia, has emerged as a focal point for new technologies in the Russian military sector. Established to advance the technical capabilities of the Russian armed forces, ERA is where new strategies are developed and cutting-edge equipment undergoes testing. For several years, the center has hosted conferences and exhibitions showcasing terrestrial, aerial, and marine robots designed to meet the modern demands of warfare.
The latest strategic session, chaired by Denis Manturov, Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister in charge of the defense industry, presented an array of prototypes in development. Representatives from the Military-Industrial Commission and the Ministry of Defense explored advancements in military robotics, with a particular emphasis on the development of ground and marine drones, enhanced by operational experience in Ukraine.
The development of autonomous military robots is seen by the Russian government as a response to the evolving needs of the battlefield. These robotic systems provide solutions to reduce human casualties while maximizing operational efficiency. Heavy combat robots, such as those based on modified T-72 models, are already employed for complex missions involving demining, reconnaissance, and offensive support.
Designed for challenging terrain and fortified environments, these combat robots combine firepower, mobility, and network capability, helping to minimize errors in combat zones. Experience in Ukraine has demonstrated that these robots can perform hazardous tasks while safeguarding soldiers' lives.
Russia has also developed and deployed various ground drones in Ukraine, some equipped with automatic grenade launchers, such as the UGV Uran-9 (Picture source: Army Recognition)
The concept of "swarm intelligence" has generated considerable interest at Technopolis ERA. Inspired by collective behavior observed in nature, this technology enables drones to operate as a coordinated group without direct supervision. In essence, each drone interacts with its neighbors to complete missions in a decentralized manner.
This approach offers a strategic advantage, allowing drones to dynamically adapt to changes on the ground and to strike targets collectively, thereby reducing human intervention. Drone swarms could potentially outperform individual models in terms of speed and efficiency, enabling a single operator to supervise numerous drones working in concert. Russia has also developed and deployed various ground drones in Ukraine, some equipped with automatic grenade launchers, such as the UGV Uran-9.
This multifunctional platform, armed with anti-tank missiles and an automatic cannon, is designed for urban areas and demonstrates Russia's progress in military robotics. Other models, like the "Scorpion" medical drone for casualty evacuation and the "Pitbull" reconnaissance drone, reflect the range of applications that the Russian armed forces envision for these robotic systems.
The potential deployment of these technologies in Ukraine remains uncertain, as some prototypes require further refinement before becoming fully operational. However, Russian experts suggest that current conflicts provide a unique opportunity to test and refine these systems under real-world conditions.
In the long term, the Russian government aims to transform these prototypes into viable, mass-deployable solutions, addressing the demands of modern armed conflicts while fostering innovation within the national defense industry. Russia's efforts to integrate large-scale robotics into military operations represent a significant step in the evolution of its armed forces, with Technopolis ERA standing as the strategic hub of this technological transition.