Concerns over the reliability of Russia’s military robotics programs are growing after a recent incident involving a demining robot nearly crushed its own operator.
Footage shared on Telegram earlier this week, dated early 2024, shows the “Chelnok” demining robot reversing uncontrollably during a public demonstration.
The drone, developed by Kurgan-based LLC “MobiDick,” narrowly missed injuring a nearby operator before being stopped by those present.
The “Chelnok,” built on the “Phoenix” electric all-terrain vehicle platform, is equipped with a UR-83P explosive ordnance system. It is designed to clear six-meter-wide paths through minefields, primarily targeting anti-tank mines.
This is not the first time Russian robotic systems have malfunctioned during tests. In a separate incident, a “Platform-M” robotic combat unit malfunctioned during filming for Russia’s Ministry of Defense program “Military Acceptance” on the Zvezda channel. Due to a piloting error, the robot nearly crushed a journalist and toppled dangerously close to an embankment. The footage was later removed from official channels.
These incidents highlight persistent challenges in the development of Russia’s unmanned systems, raising questions about the safety and operational reliability of these technologies.
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