US ally plans army of humanoid robots to conduct risky operations with drones, boost high-tech warfare

Former Ukrainian defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov has unveiled a new defense technology initiative called the “Army of Robots,” with the ambitious goal of using humanoid and other autonomous systems to take on some of the most dangerous tasks currently performed by Ukrainian soldiers.

Presenting the project, Fedorov described it as the “next stage of the technology-driven approach” behind Ukraine’s Army of Drones. The new initiative will focus on physical AI, robotics and autonomous systems, with applications ranging from logistics and reconnaissance to mine operations and combat.

The project is still an early-stage initiative rather than an established robotic military force. Fedorov is currently seeking engineers, robotics teams, technology companies and investors to build the proposed ecosystem.

Humanoid robots would take on frontline tasks

The concept goes beyond using wheeled or tracked unmanned ground vehicles. Fedorov specifically wants humanoid robots capable of performing relatively simple tasks alongside other autonomous systems.

Those tasks could include reloading weapons, replacing batteries, installing sensors, delivering ammunition and evacuating wounded personnel. The broader concept envisions robots entering dangerous areas after sensors identify a threat, reducing the need to expose soldiers to direct danger.

Fedorov has set aggressive targets for the project, pointing out that the first objective is for a humanoid robot to kill a Russian soldier within six months of the program’s launch, Ukrainska Pravda reports.

The project also aims to conduct its first operation combining robots and drones within its first year, with the different systems communicating through software and algorithms.

“We will invest in defense tech companies, launch our own technology projects, build R&D capabilities, test solutions alongside the military and scale as quickly as possible whatever proves effective on the battlefield. Our biggest challenge is that Russia has learned to rapidly copy and scale military technologies.That means we must constantly create the next technology cycle before the enemy does,” Fedorov wrote on social media.

He added that drones already account for more than 95% of strikes in Ukraine, with more than 700 UAV manufacturers operating in the country. The next step is to bring similar levels of experimentation and production to ground robotics.

Army of Robots intended as an ecosystem

The former Ukrainian official also said the initiative will not be a single company. Instead, it is intended to become a broader technology ecosystem combining private companies, investment, research and development and military testing.

The proposed systems would include humanoid robots alongside UAVs, unmanned ground vehicles and other unmanned weapons. Potential missions include reconnaissance, ammunition delivery, mine laying and clearance, evacuation, position defense and strikes.

The Army of Robots is the latest step in Fedorov’s broader move into private-sector defense technology following his departure from the Ukrainian government. Recently, Fedorov announced plans for a new defense technology company with Palantir CEO Alex Karp as its first major investor.

The company is intended to turn Ukraine’s experience with technology-driven warfare into products and systems, although details about its structure and specific programs have not been fully disclosed. Furthermore, a separate Kyiv-based venture fund is also being established to invest in Ukrainian defense companies and support both startups and established manufacturers in the country.