In March 2026, we conducted a field demonstration of our demining robot, DMRobot, in Ukraine.

This activity in Ukraine was conducted as part of a United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)project under the public call for proposals, “Green industrial recovery project for Ukraine through technology transfer from and the co-creation of new businesses with Japan’s private industries”.  The activities were carried out with due consideration for safety.

The demonstration was attended by organizations engaged in demining operations in Ukraine, Ukrainian government authorities, UNIDO, the Ukraine Office of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and local manufacturers of machinery and equipment.

Participants shared the following feedback:

Many had not previously seen excavation technology using compressed air. They noted that it enables safe operations by minimizing the risk of triggering landmines. It was also highlighted as a significant advantage that the system can operate effectively in areas with dense roots and obstacles. In addition, it has the potential to mechanize operations in environments such as forests, where large demining machines cannot be deployed.

DMRobot has been used in demining operations in Cambodia for approximately two years. Currently, we are conducting a feasibility study under the UNIDO project to evaluate the potential application of this innovative mine clearance technology to support demining operations in Ukraine and to assess the overall viability of the initiative. The demonstration in Ukraine indicated that the system also has the potential to contribute to addressing challenges in demining operations in Ukraine.

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is implementing a green industrial recovery programme for Ukraine 2024-2028 from the ongoing war. The “Green industrial recovery project for Ukraine through technology transfer from and the co-creation of new businesses with Japan’s private industries”, funded by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan (METI), aims to support country’s industrial recovery and innovation ecosystem building through technology transfer, capacity-building and business co-creation between Ukrainian and Japanese private sectors.

Engagement with Various Stakeholders

In addition to the demonstration of the equipment, we visited several organizations and companies involved in demining activities and conducted presentations on DMRobot, followed by discussions.

There are more than 100 demining organizations operating across Ukraine, carrying out daily clearance activities throughout the country. All of the organizations we visited expressed positive evaluations of DMRobot.

At the JICA Ukraine Office, whose representatives also attended the demonstration, we had the opportunity to present the technology again and received valuable advice for our future activities.

At the Embassy of Japan in Ukraine, we received positive feedback on this initiative, along with advice on promoting the technology through close collaboration with local engineering companies to ensure its sustainable implementation.

The Way Forward

Through this mission, we confirmed that DMRobot has the potential to make excavation work in minefields—currently dangerous, highly delicate, and time-consuming—safer and more efficient in Ukraine.

Moving forward, we will work to establish local maintenance systems and strengthen collaboration with partners, with the aim of contributing to making land in Ukraine safe again. For more information about our work in Ukraine, visit here: Robot to clear landmines safely and efficiently | UNIDO