The “Zmiy” remote demining vehicle exemplifies the creativity and resilience of Ukraine’s startup sector amid ongoing conflict, as the country becomes the most mined in the world. This collaboration between a sapper and the Rovertech company highlights the vital link between frontline experiences and technological advancements aimed at enhancing safety for demining personnel. Ukraine’s efforts have successfully cleared over 35,000 square kilometers of contaminated land, promoting community safety and contributing to broader recovery goals. These initiatives not only demonstrate the significant role of technology in humanitarian efforts but also offer a model for other regions facing similar challenges, emphasizing the necessity of collaboration among industry, military, and local communities to tackle complex issues effectively.

 

Ukraine has successfully cleared over 35,000 square kilometers of contaminated land but still faces the daunting task of demining an estimated 139,000 square kilometers, which could take over 700 years with current resources. The country aims to clear 80% of the remaining mined areas within the next decade, utilizing innovative technologies.

Collaboration between Ukrainian officials and the UNDP, supported by various countries under the UNDP Mine Action Programme, aims to expedite this process. A new humanitarian demining market has been established in Kyiv, where the state funds 100% of agricultural land demining.

Startups like UADamage, led by Vitalii Lopushanskyi, are at the forefront of technological advancements, employing drones and specialized sensors to efficiently map and identify contaminated areas. Their future plans involve integrating these technologies with ground robots to automate the demining process, reducing reliance on human deminers. UADamage is also collaborating with the Ukrainian Researchers Society to utilize AI for analyzing satellite images to pinpoint potential explosive hazards.

These initiatives could significantly enhance demining efforts, positioning Ukraine as a global leader in mine action innovation, as noted by UNDP Resident Representative Jaco Cilliers, who emphasized Ukraine’s role as a hub of innovation and change.

The Ukrainian Researcher Society is concentrating on demining agricultural land, a vital task due to the deaths of 199 farmers from mines since the war began. To aid this effort, the PostUp Foundation has developed a drone that gathers magnetic and optical data, creating detailed maps for sappers. Their MinesEye project uses advanced sensors on drones to detect explosives both on the surface and underground, allowing for prioritized demining. This system will be rolled out to Ukraine’s State Emergency Service (SESU) in early 2025 after successful testing. Additionally, Rovertech has created the “Zmiy,” Ukraine’s first certified remote demining vehicle, which can activate mines while enduring explosions. Costing around $20,000, the Zmiy is a budget-friendly alternative to foreign machines, which can cost up to a million euros, aiming to enhance demining efficiency and safety for workers.

Read more at The Independiente de Kiev