Robotic Mules and UGVs: Armies Embrace Robotics for Combat and Logistics

Jammu: Army personnel patrol alongside robotic mules near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Akhnoor sector on the outskirts of Jammu, ahead of Diwali festivities. (PTI Photo)(PTI10_17_2025_000014A)

The conflict in Ukraine is known for the use of drones both in the air and also on sea against Russia, but over the past two years, Kyiv has shifted from experimental deployments to fielding thousands of Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs). These uncrewed systems are handling roles such as combat, logistics, engineering and disposal of explosives. Some are even used as kamikaze robots, driving explosives into Russian positions. These machines operate in mud, snow and under constant fire, proving their resilience in extreme conditions. The operational concept is not to replace soldiers but to keep them out of kill zones. According to Ukraine's General Staff, robotic platforms have reduced casualties by up to 30% in some instances. This has helped preserve manpower for offensive operations and slowing force attrition, a US Army run think tank reported. UGVs lack a universal classification but can be distinguished by armament, size, weight, and locomotion type. They range from small handheld devices to large, tank-sized platforms. Locomotion is a key differentiator for Unmanned Ground Vehicles. Wheeled systems are power-efficient but less effective off-road. Tracked systems on the other hand, excel in rough terrain but are noisy, consume more energy and move slowly. Legged systems, such as robotic dogs and mules, can navigate uneven terrain well but are mechanically complex, slower and require more power. Legged models are generally small compared to wheeled and tracked variants, as per a UN Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR). Unmanned systems torchbearer, Ukraine will contract 25,000 unmanned ground vehicles in the first half of 2026, more than double the 2025 total, as the Defense Ministry moves to shift all frontline logistics off soldiers and onto robots, as per the Ukrainian defence ministry. The Indian Army too is embracing robotics to enhance combat readiness, logistics and border security. Robotic mules, deployed on the Line of Control (LoC) as per an Economic Times report, are quadrupedal machines capable of carrying supplies and ammunition across snow, deserts, and rugged terrain. They can also detect explosives and conduct reconnaissance, reducing risks for soldiers in hazardous zones. Parallelly, the Defence Research and Development Organisation's (DRDO) Centre for Systems and Technologies for Advanced Robotics is developing humanoid robots with advanced mobility and manipulation features, including 24 degrees of freedom arms and AI-driven navigation, according to an Economic Times report. These robots are being designed to handle improvised explosive devices, nuclear-biological-chemical threats and other high-risk missions.

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