The Zmiy Droid 12.7 reconnaissance and strike ground robot system, developed by Ukrainian defense tech companies Rovertech and DevDroid, has been certified by the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine—meaning even less risk for infantry and greater control on the battlefield.

The Zmiy Droid 12.7 combines Rovertech’s rugged “Zmiy” UGV mobile platform with DevDroid’s high-precision, remotely controlled Wolly 12.7 combat module. The solution was created with the real needs of military units and experience in the combat use of robotic systems in mind.

We developed this platform based on real-world conditions at the front. In areas where any movement of infantry or armored vehicles is immediately threatened by FPV drones or artillery, the Zmiy Droid 12.7 allows us to secure these areas without a direct human presence and operate where doing so previously posed an excessive risk

The UGV mobile platform is armored, protected against anti-personnel mines, and capable of withstanding multiple hits from enemy FPV drones while remaining operational. Another advantage of the Zmiy Droid 12.7 is the universal Droid Box control system from DevDroid. This is the “brain” of the ground drone, responsible for communications, control, and the combat module. Thanks to the Droid Box, the operator can control movement and weaponry both simultaneously and separately, using an intuitive interface and automation features.

We are actively building partnerships with Ukrainian UGV manufacturers to create interoperable and scalable solutions. That is why our partnership with Rovertech is of fundamental importance to us; like us, they operate based on the real needs of the front lines. In the Zmiy Droid 12.7, our Wolly 12.7 combat turret and Droid Box control system are integrated into a single solution, giving the operator full control over movement and fire without unnecessary complexity. In combat conditions, this means faster decisions and fewer risks to personnel.

What problem does Zmiy Droid 12.7 solve?

The current front line faces several systemic problems that directly affect personnel casualties and the effectiveness of units.

Works where conventional equipment can’t go

The Zmiy Droid 12.7 is designed to operate in conditions where conventional equipment becomes ineffective. Thanks to its relatively compact platform and high cross-country capability, the system can traverse rough terrain, swamps, sand, and snow, as well as rocky terrain and shallow water obstacles. This allows units to operate off-road, bypass predictable routes, and reduce the risk of being hit by artillery and FPV drones.

The front line is the area of greatest risk to people

The Zmiy Droid 12.7 handles initial contact, enabling reconnaissance and fire support without requiring a soldier to be physically present in the danger zone. This gives units time, situational awareness, and reduces the need for risky personnel deployments.

Staff shortages and overburdened departments

Units operate under conditions of a shortage of trained personnel, constant rotation and fatigue, and the need to hold positions for extended periods. The Zmiy Droid 12.7 can take over watch duty, monitor the area, and suppress the enemy with fire, thereby maintaining the unit’s combat readiness for longer.

The problem with heavy caliber

The use of 12.7 mm large-caliber weapons traditionally requires setting up a fixed position and exposes the crew to a high risk of being hit. Such firing positions are quickly exposed and become priority targets for FPV drones and artillery. The Zmiy Droid 12.7 allows for the remote use of heavy-caliber weapons without the direct presence of personnel at the position. The system can quickly change its operating location while maintaining effectiveness and survivability.

The vulnerability of traditional solutions to FPV

Conventional equipment and fixed firing positions are easy targets for FPV drones. The Zmiy Droid 12.7 features an armored casing, enabling it to withstand FPV drone attacks and remain fully operational.

Siloed systems and management complexity

Various platforms and combat modules are often deployed on the front lines without a unified control approach, which complicates operator training and reduces operational effectiveness. The Droid Box, installed on the Zmiy Droid 12.7, unifies the control of the mobile platform and combat module into a single system. The operator works with an intuitive interface and can quickly switch between modes without unnecessary strain. Fewer errors mean faster decisions and higher survivability of the system in combat conditions.

The codification of the Zmiy Droid 12.7 paves the way for its official supply and deployment within the units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Technical Specifications of the Zmiy Droid 12.7

Armament

• Adapted for the 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun
• Target engagement range: up to 1,000 m
• High accuracy and fire stability
• Built-in ballistic calculator
• Target acquisition and tracking using AI components

Mobility

• silent electric motor
• range — up to 50 km
• towing capacity — up to 700 kg
• high off-road capability: rough terrain, mud, sand, snow, rocks, and shallow water obstacles
• agile handling and durability thanks to a sturdy chassis

Management and Communication

• Fully remote control of movement and firing
• Easy switching between control modes
• Support for 6 communication channels.

Situational awareness

• Optional narrow-angle and wide-angle cameras
• Equipped with a thermal imager for use in low-visibility conditions

RoverTech — is a leading Ukrainian defense technology company that develops and deploys the new generation of ZMIY unmanned ground systems, designed to replace human personnel in the most dangerous conditions of modern warfare, particularly in environments subject to intense fire and attacks by FPV drones.

The company designs and manufactures robotic ground systems for mine clearance, strike, and logistics missions, featuring a high level of protection and survivability, which enables the execution of combat, engineering, and support missions without exposing military personnel to lethal threats.

DevDroid — A Ukrainian defense technology company whose solutions provide reconnaissance, fire support, and combat management without human presence on the front lines, thereby enhancing the accuracy, autonomy, and safety of operations.

“Control the battlefield remotely”—this is the DevDroid principle and the new standard for protection, reliability, and technological superiority for Ukraine’s security and defense forces, where robots take on the risks while people remain safe.