On the front line, Russian soldiers have surrendered not to Ukrainian troops, but to an autonomous combat machine. The Ukrainian reconnaissance-strike ground robotic complex Droid TW‑7.62, based on the NUMO platform, captured three Russian soldiers.
A video of the incident was released by the manufacturer DevDroid, showcasing a new reality of modern warfare.
Robot forced Russians to surrender without infantry
The footage shows Russian aggressors approaching the robotic platform one by one, removing their gear, and lying on the ground next to the complex, effectively following all commands without direct contact with Ukrainian troops.
DevDroid emphasized the symbolic significance of the event.
"This is what modern war looks like. Robots are on the front line. Humans are safe," the company says.
Droid TW‑7.62: machine gun, AI, and autonomous target engagement
Droid TW‑7.62 is a reconnaissance-strike robotic complex adapted for the KT‑7.62 (PKT) machine gun. It features a ballistic computer for high accuracy and efficient target engagement.
The system’s key feature is artificial intelligence, which allows it to:
- autonomously detect targets,
- lock onto them,
- track objects in real time.
This significantly reduces operator workload and increases unit combat resilience.
NUMO platform and the future of Ukrainian ground combat robots
The system is built on the modular NUMO platform, which can adapt to different combat missions. Droid TW‑7.62 can operate in complex environments, including rough terrain, and integrate additional sensors such as night vision, thermal imaging, and limited-visibility systems.
Ukrainian forces already have successful experience with similar systems. Previously, Droid TW 12.7, used by the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade, fully replaced an infantry position and held it for 1.5 months.
Russian troops were unable to breach the defense under continuous fire from the autonomous system, providing one of the first proofs of the effectiveness of ground combat robots in real combat conditions.
Frequently asked questions
The operation was carried out by the Droid TW-7.62, a reconnaissance-strike ground robotic complex. It is built on the modular NUMO platform, which allows it to adapt to various combat environments and carry different weapon systems.
The system features AI elements that enable autonomous target detection, acquisition, and tracking in real time. This technology, combined with an integrated ballistic computer, allows the robot to engage targets with high accuracy while operating under remote supervision.
This incident marks the first documented case of Russian soldiers surrendering to an autonomous ground combat robot without any direct engagement from Ukrainian infantry. The footage shows the soldiers following the robot's commands and surrendering to the machine, demonstrating how robotic systems can now perform high-risk capture missions while keeping human personnel safe.
