Ukrainian startups are creating a low-cost robot army to fight Russia

Ukrainian startups are spearheading the creation of a low-cost robot army to combat Russian forces. Facing challenges such as manpower shortages and limited international support, Ukraine is turning to innovation to develop a strategic advantage. Approximately 250 defense startups in Ukraine are clandestinely producing affordable unmanned vehicles in makeshift workshops resembling rural garages. These robots, like the Odyssey ground drone, are being designed to target Russian troops while aiding Ukrainian soldiers and civilians. The military is exploring various unmanned air, ground, and marine vehicles from these startups, which operate with cost-effective methods distinct from large Western defense corporations. Ukraine's new Unmanned Systems Forces branch is integrating these robots into its military operations, with plans to expand their capabilities beyond rescue and supply missions to include combat functions like carrying heavy weapons or mine-clearing equipment. The use of low-cost drones equipped with artificial intelligence is raising concerns among experts about the potential escalation of conflicts and the need for regulations to ensure human oversight in weapon systems.