Solutions to win: Ukrainian engineers develop lawnmowers to aid in demining efforts in areas with dense vegetation

During the initial phase of the "Safe Field" hackathon, nine teams of Ukrainian developers showcased their innovations aimed at aiding sappers in efficiently cutting dense grass in demining zones.

The Ministry of Economy of Ukraine reports this.

What is the problem?

About 25% of Ukraine's territory is contaminated with explosive objects, and the de-occupied regions remain the most densely mined.

As of April 2024, 21 employees of the State Emergency Service were killed during demining, and another 87 pyrotechnicians of the rescue service were injured.

It is worth noting that clearing mines through tall grass in the warm season is hazardous because objects on the ground are reduced to almost zero visibility.

What is the solution?

As part of the first stage of the "Safe Field" hackathon, organized by the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine and the Kyiv School of Economics, nine Ukrainian teams of developers presented their inventions.

They will help sappers to mow thick grass in areas that need demining effectively.

How does it work?

The teams presented a variety of products for mowing vegetation, including:

• Multi-platform: universal solutions that can be adapted for different conditions and types of terrain.
• Robotic tractors: automated machines that ensure the safety of operations in mined areas.

The price range of the presented products varies from $5.5 to $19.5 thousand per unit.

As the department mentioned, each developer has the opportunity to produce between 30 and 100 mowers every month, allowing them to meet the equipment needs of domestic sappers.

The ministry said that the hackathon participants received evaluations and comments from the jury, which included military demining experts. After finalization, the prototypes will be tested in the field.

"According to the results of the tests and passing the certification, these machines can be purchased for the needs of sappers by both state structures and private operators of mine countermeasures," the Ministry of Economy summarized.

For reference:

It should be noted that the star of the TV series "Supernatural" actor, Misha Collins, announced a fundraiser for a car for humanitarian demining.

Rubryka also had a conversation with a psychologist and specialists about how parents can discuss explosives with their children without causing stress, as well as what steps to take if they are found. We also provide beneficial resources and courses for both parents and children. For example, we discovered how front-line communities in the Chernihiv region educate children about mine safety, even with the ongoing conflict. This serves as a reminder that this topic is still crucial despite being the third year of the war. For more information, check out our article "Teaching Kids Mine Safety: Explaining Instead of Scaring."