Ukrainian startup Efarm.Pro has developed an innovative unmanned system to clear agricultural fields of landmines, a critical issue for the country. The system includes a drone, a robot deminer, an autopilot, and a tractor-trailer system that can withstand explosions. The system works autonomously, allowing remote control from a safe distance, minimizing risks to human life. The three-stage process includes scanning the field with a drone, neutralizing explosives with a robot deminer and certified sappers, and processing the topsoil layer with a remotely controlled tractor.
Addressing a critical issue for Ukrainian farmers
Landmines pose a significant threat to Ukraine’s agricultural sector, with up to 40% of fields contaminated by explosive devices. Since the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, mines have caused injuries and deaths among farmers and led to the loss of valuable agricultural equipment. The United Nations has identified Ukraine as one of the most heavily mined countries in the world, with over 174,000 square kilometres contaminated. Consequently, the need for alternative, safe demining methods has become apparent.
Efarm.Pro’s autonomous solution
The brainchild of Oleksandr Prihodchenko, CEO of Efarm.Pro, the unmanned demining complex aims to save lives and protect equipment while clearing land for agricultural use. The drone, equipped with sensors, scans the field and detects explosives up to one metre deep. Next, the robot deminer and certified sappers neutralize the detected explosives. Finally, a remotely controlled tractor with a protective trailer system processes the topsoil layer, ensuring safe agricultural work. The tractor operates autonomously without an operator in the cabin, eliminating the possibility of injury or death.
Efficient and safe demining process
The system has an impressive efficiency rate, with the tractor covering a field at a speed of 5 km/h. During a 10-hour workday, it can survey up to 20 hectares of land. The autonomous nature of the system, combined with its three-stage process, guarantees a thorough and secure demining procedure. The technology is expected to be first employed in deoccupied territories for field demining before sowing. There is also potential for improvements to the system to enable safe harvesting in fields with mine contamination risks.
Additional initiatives for mine awareness and clearance
Alongside the Efarm.Pro’s demining complex, other initiatives are also addressing the landmine problem in Ukraine. Dutch start-up Fectar has developed an Augmented Reality (AR) lesson to teach Ukrainian children how to identify unexploded mines safely and interactively. Furthermore, Ukraine’s government is seeking international help to expedite the demining process, which is estimated to cost $37.4 billion.
A brighter future for Ukraine’s agriculture
The innovative unmanned demining complex developed by Efarm.Pro holds the promise of a safer and more productive future for Ukraine’s agricultural sector. By eliminating the risks associated with landmines, farmers can work securely, and agricultural lands can be utilized to their full potential. The successful implementation of this technology, along with awareness initiatives and international support, could be the start of a safer Ukraine.
