Nova Poshta has purchased 20 robotic sappers to clear minefields for the State Emergency Service of Ukraine.
According to the company, Ukraine is currently one of the most mined countries in the world. About 200,000km2 , which is almost a third of the country’s territory, needs ammunition disarmament and demining. As part of the cooperation, Nova Posta purchased ₴5m (US$134,500) of robots from underwater drone company Fifish to help clear any explosive objects left in reservoirs after active conflict. These robots detect any explosive objects with their VR glasses and then transmit the visuals and precise coordinates to human sappers. With a robotic arm, the robots can move the ammunition or place a detonator next to it to neutralize the threat.
The first eight robots have already been donated to the initiative. In the near future, 12 more robotic sappers will arrive in Ukraine – 11 of them will also be handed over by Nova Poshta to the State Emergency Service, and one sample will remain with the Robotics Association of Ukraine for further improvement. This organization’s task is to improve the device’s engine, operating time and lighting system. After this, it will be finalized in accordance with the State Emergency Service’s requirements.
Nova Poshta and the State Emergency Service have also partnered to provide logistical support for rescue teams. The State Emergency Service of Ukraine prepares lists of necessary goods, from electronic devices to cars, and the company deals with the search, purchase and delivery. Nova Poshta has also sent approximately ₴250,000 (US$6,700) of cargo for the State Emergency Service of Ukraine at the postal company’s expense.
Oleksiy Taranenko, director of development of Nova Poshta, said, “Nova Poshta has led the process of developing a state-of-the-art robotic sapper for Ukraine. We took responsibility for the financial and technical areas, as well as for the search and attraction of partners. Our task is to make our own on the basis of a foreign robot so that it meets all the requests of pyrotechnicians. In addition, the Ukrainian robot will cost less than foreign counterparts and will have more room for modernization, since we will process feedback from colleagues from the State Emergency Service faster.”