According to the Red Cross, in 2024, casualties from UXO surged by 22%, a trend that is likely to continue due to continued conflict in Ukraine, the Middle East, Syria, and Ethiopia, as well as the heavy presence of unexploded ordnance in post-conflict zones like Afghanistan, Laos, and Sudan.
However, with the help of innovative companies such as Armtrac, a new breed of mine clearance technology is emerging in the form of the unmanned ground vehicle (UGV). These advanced robotic systems are a paradigm shift in humanitarian demining and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), placing ground crew operators' safety above all else in high-threat environments.
Using a crewless ground vehicle represents a fundamental change in how we approach the most dangerous risks faced by ground crews involved in land clearance operations. Instead of placing human deminers directly in harm's way, these remote-controlled vehicles can quickly and efficiently help them to scale treacherous minefields and clear volatile areas from a safe distance.
Human Risk Mitigated
This leap in UGV technology development ensures that the risk to human land clearance crews during operations is mitigated. This allows for the critical work of land and route clearance to proceed without the tragic cost to human life or limb. Integrating teleoperated systems is a natural and vital evolution for a company like Armtrac, which has been at the forefront of designing, building and providing effective mine clearance machines for decades.
At the heart of this revolution is the Armtrac 20T C-IED Robot Mk2, an unmanned ground vehicle with high flexibility and modern UGV technology. This cost-effective, remote-controlled small (heavy) uncrewed ground vehicle is engineered for versatility. Its compact size, weighing 1840 kg, makes it exceptionally manoeuvrable, allowing it to climb, descend, and traverse challenging terrain and 45-degree slopes easily.
The 20T Mk2's low centre of gravity and heavy-duty rubber tracks, which produce a ground bearing pressure of less than 5 PSI, allow it to operate effectively in soft soils where larger machines cannot easily access. This makes it an ideal mechanical demining solution for areas with restricted access and mixed terrains where larger machines may sink and become stuck.
Why Choose the Armtrac 20T?
The true strength of the Armtrac 20T lies in its modularity and strong design. It can be fitted with toolkits, including a powerful demining flail or tiller. The tiller, which spins at 600-800 RPM, can achieve clearance depths of up to 200mm in soft soil and has been tested against 3kg of explosives.
These flail and tiller attachments are designed to clear explosive ordnance by either detonating or shattering it so that it cannot function as intended. This tool is also an efficient vegetation cutter, making it a valuable asset for preparing an overgrown area of thick scrub before manual or canine-assisted demining.
The Armtrac 20T can be equipped with a rear hydraulic robotic arm for more nuanced tasks. This arm can attach a Gripper or a Manipulator Grab to investigate suspicious EO or move devices to a safer location for further investigation or render-safe procedures.
In addition, a disruptor or exploder can be fitted for disposing of surface IEDs. This adaptability is critical for counter-IED (C-IED) solutions and makes the Armtrac 20T a true multi-purpose platform. The integrated high-definition cameras on the front, rear, and robotic arm provide the operator with a live video link, offering enhanced situational awareness and a precise view for detailed remote investigation. The remote control systems display key vehicle data, allowing optimal performance and control from a safe distance.
Conclusion
In a world where the threat of unexploded ordnance is of growing concern, the importance of these advanced unmanned ground vehicles cannot be overstated. They clearly show how technological innovation can make a massive difference in the most challenging and dangerous environments when applied with a humanitarian purpose.
These powerful, agile, and safe machines will shape the future of humanitarian aid and demining, paving the way for a safer, more stable world. Contact us at Armtrac for more information about our unmanned ground vehicle range. We are happy to help you find the best solution for your needs.
