A Russian drone hit a rescue robot evacuating a wounded Ukrainian soldier - and it shielded him from further injury, battalion says

"Rescuing soldiers is an example of how Ukraine uses its growing ground robot fleet, along with moving supplies, laying and removing mines, and firing at and blowing up Russian targets. But it's a risky move that can put the soldier in even more danger. Ukraine's 1st Separate Medical Battalion shared the video on Monday, stating that the soldier was safely rescued and the robot protected him from any additional injuries during the 3-hour and 25-minute mission."

"They decided to send the robot, the battalion said, which is controlled from afar by soldiers who can stay in safer positions. This is when Ukraine typically uses them: Where it's too unsafe for humans to go. The robot detected a Russian drone soon after the injured soldier was loaded on, the battalion said. The team decided to continue moving at maximum speed, but the drone hit the robot on its second attempt, two and a half miles into the journey."

"It said it was rescuing a casualty who was injured by a drone drop and unable to walk by himself. Reaching him meant navigating territory with a significant Russian presence. The planned return journey was 36 miles. They decided to send the robot, the battalion said, which is controlled from afar by soldiers who can stay in safer positions. This is when Ukraine typically uses them: Where it's too unsafe for humans to go."

Ukrainian forces used a remotely controlled ground robot to evacuate a wounded soldier through territory with significant Russian presence on a planned 36-mile return. The vehicle carried the casualty in an armored capsule so operators could remain in safer positions. A Russian drone detected and struck the robot on its second attack about two and a half miles into the mission; the robot sustained damage but the soldier incurred no additional injuries. Another Ukrainian unit evacuated the soldier for treatment and the damaged robot was recovered. Ground robots serve resupply, mine work, and combat roles but face direct targeting risks.

Read at Business Insider