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Ukraine’s Machine-Gun Robot Takes on Russian Assault—and Wins
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
A Ukrainian unmanned ground combat system equipped with a machine gun helped Ukrainian forces repel a Russian assault on a frontline position, according to a statement released by the Ukrainian defense technology company DevDroid on March 9.
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The Droid TW-7.62 robotic platform was operated by soldiers from the Disney Squad unit and engaged Russian infantry attempting to advance toward Ukrainian defensive positions.
The system first detected and destroyed two Russian “waiting” drones positioned near a road leading toward the Ukrainian position. After neutralizing the drones, the robot opened fire on approaching Russian infantry.
According to DevDroid, the system identified two Russian soldiers moving toward Ukrainian positions. One was killed by machine-gun fire while another was wounded during the engagement.
Russian forces later shelled the area with artillery in an apparent attempt to destroy the robotic platform. The system remained operational and continued firing at another group of Russian infantry advancing toward the position. The attacking troops subsequently withdrew, allowing Ukrainian defenders to hold the position.
“Ground robotic systems are already taking on the most dangerous part of frontline work. Each such mission reduces risks for personnel and strengthens the combat capabilities of units,” DevDroid CEO Yurii Poritskyi said.
The Droid TW-7.62 is a reconnaissance-and-strike unmanned ground system adapted to carry a KT-7.62 machine gun, a Ukrainian variant of the PKT. The platform is equipped with a ballistic computer designed to improve firing accuracy and includes elements of artificial intelligence that enable autonomous detection, tracking, and engagement of targets.
The system has also been used in other combat situations. In January 2026, a Droid TW-7.62 mounted on the NUMO robotic platform captured three Russian soldiers during a separate operation, DevDroid said.
The company states that ground robotic platforms are increasingly being used to perform high-risk battlefield tasks such as reconnaissance and fire support, reducing exposure for frontline personnel.
Ukrainian drone units forced more than 100 Russian soldiers to surrender during the winter of 2026, with UAV operators monitoring and escorting surrendering troops toward Ukrainian positions, according to Ukraine’s Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
Britain’s Minister for the Armed Forces, Al Carns, previously said the war in Ukraine is forcing Western militaries to rethink modern warfare, highlighting the growing role of drones, artificial intelligence, and robotic systems on the battlefield.
Speaking at a UK Ministry of Defense briefing on February 23, Carns described the conflict as a “revolution in military affairs,” noting that cheaper unmanned platforms combined with advanced software are increasingly replacing traditional massed firepower.
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