The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence has given the green light for the deployment of the NUMO ground robotic system within military units, a significant advancement for enhancing operational capabilities on the battlefield.
Designed as a versatile tracked platform, NUMO is engineered to transport ammunition, provisions, and essential equipment to troops engaged in active combat. This innovation was highlighted by the Ukrainian state-run initiative UNITED24, showcasing the system’s potential to mitigate risks faced by frontline soldiers.
NUMO boasts a modular configuration, allowing for a range of attachments including turrets, relay masts, wire cutters, and mine-clearing tools. This adaptability is pivotal in reducing exposure for Ukrainian forces operating in hostile environments.
Key Specifications:
Developed by the Lviv-based autonomous systems firm Tank Bureau, NUMO can carry a cargo load of up to 300 kilograms (661 pounds) while its overall weight reaches 620 kilograms (1,367 pounds) under full load. The system’s deployment time is remarkably efficient, taking less than 10 minutes. With a ground clearance of 235 millimeters (9 inches), it can navigate through diverse and challenging terrains, such as forests and wetlands.
The vehicle offers a robust operating range, extending up to 25 kilometers (16 miles) with two batteries, and can reach as far as 45 kilometers (28 miles) when equipped with four batteries. Its top speed is recorded at 7 kilometers per hour (4 miles).
Communication capabilities are extensive, supporting six different types: Wi-Fi, DTC, Silvus, Starlink, LTE, and SineLink, enabling maximum control at a range of 1,500 meters (4,921 feet). Additionally, it features a unique “Droid Box” module, comprising a comprehensive suite of hardware and software for enhanced communication functions.
Recon-Assault Variant:
Significantly, NUMO also serves as the foundational base for the Droid TW system, which is a remotely operated reconnaissance and strike platform. This variant can be outfitted with either the KT-7.62 (PKT) or the M2 Browning 12.7-millimeter machine guns. The Droid TW-12.7 version, co-developed with DevDroid, is currently active among 30 Ukrainian brigades, contributing to its tactical operations.
Expanding UGVs for Warfighters:
Established in 2024, Tank Bureau specializes in the development and maintenance of unmanned ground vehicles, backed by extensive in-house research, production, and repair facilities scattered across Ukraine. The company has ambitious plans to formalize several additional robotic platforms before the year’s end.
Nazar Priymak, the director of Tank Bureau, articulated the importance of such systems in modern warfare. He noted, “Ground robotic systems partially replace humans on the battlefield — delivering supplies, conducting evacuations, and operating where the risk is too high.” He further emphasized that NUMO is already making significant contributions to military missions, affirming the complex’s operational readiness and practical value.
