A British Army commander testing war robots says they aren't always the right tool for the job
Uncrewed ground vehicles, or UGVs, can present logistics, power, navigation, and control challenges for soldiers, he said.
British Army commander Lt. Col. John Black has tested dozens of ground robots for the British Army and found that while they can be useful, they come with a host of challenges. UGVs (uncrewed ground vehicles) can cause logistics, power, navigation, and control issues for troops. They require trailers or flatbed trucks for transport, which creates logistical burdens.
Even after moving them into position, troops must figure out how to get them into the fight. Ground drones also face power and refueling challenges, needing extra batteries, generators, or fuel, or having to bring the robot back to a charging point. Remote control introduces problems like maintaining a reliable connection and keeping the robot on course.
Ground robots can struggle with difficult terrain, and their advertised range may not hold up in real-world conditions, such as uneven ground. Obstacles can confound most UGVs. Autonomy in UGVs has become a major area of interest, but some manufacturers have stopped offering autonomous options, as it can make the systems more expensive and difficult to use.
Despite these limitations, Black sees value in certain situations, such as breaching fortified positions and removing mines, which are incredibly dangerous for soldiers. However, he believes UGVs might be a niche tool, most effective only in situations where keeping a soldier out of harm's way is critical.
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