Droid TW: A robotic machine gun resembling something from a science fiction movie

Ukrainian-developed ground robotic systems are already providing fire support to units of the Defence Forces of Ukraine. One such system, the Droid TW, has even been compared by foreign media to a robot from the sci-fi movie Terminator.

The development of the Droid TW began several years ago following a request from Ukrainian defenders, who sought to reduce risks to personnel while ensuring precise and autonomous combat operations.

In 2023, the system underwent its first field tests, demonstrating its effectiveness. In December 2024, after rigorous trials, the platform was codified for delivery to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The Droid TW stands out from many other ground platforms as it was specifically designed and built for reconnaissance and strike missions. It integrates artificial intelligence for enemy personnel recognition, improving the effectiveness of fire support and surveillance through remote control and autonomy in challenging environments. This significantly reduces risks to the lives and health of military personnel.

The first models of the Droid TW were built based on a 12.7 mm Browning machine gun. Today, the model range has been extended to feature a 7.62 mm machine gun. Depending on the configuration, the ammunition capacity ranges from 480 to 1,000 rounds, capable of engaging enemy personnel or vehicles at distances up to 1 km.

The robotic platform can operate both day and night, featuring a thermal imager with selectable display modes on the operator’s monitor. It has a target detection range of up to 1.5 km during the day and 1 km at night.

Additional equipment enables autonomous target acquisition. The system also has a ballistic calculation module to improve fire precision. The platform's equipment supports military communication systems, along with Starlink and LTE technologies.

Due to its compact dimensions, the platform can be transported in a pickup truck bed or on a trailer. Deployment to combat-ready status takes only 5 minutes. Once deployed, the Droid TW can be remotely controlled via a tablet or gamepad, ready to engage the enemy.