Ukraine's Hidden Battle: Clearing Landmines with High-Tech Help

Ukraine is facing a huge problem after the fighting stops: landmines everywhere. These hidden dangers are slowing down recovery and putting lives at risk. Fields, homes, and roads are unsafe, making it hard for people to return and for the economy to bounce back. Traditionally, clearing landmines is a slow and dangerous job. But now, new tech is stepping in to help. Drones, sensors, and robots are being used to make the process faster and safer. One company, Broswarm, is leading the way with a special radar system that can detect even plastic landmines, which are hard to find with old tools. The CEO, Ernestas Zvaigzdinas, saw the urgent need to help Ukraine. He realized that existing tools weren't good enough. So, they developed a small radar system that can be mounted on drones. This system can create a 3D map of the underground, showing where the mines are hidden.But there are challenges. The radar needs very precise GPS data, which most drones don't have. So, Broswarm had to build their own drone architecture. Despite these hurdles, they've made quick progress and are already testing their system in the field. Broswarm isn't alone in this effort. Other companies are also working on new tech to make demining safer and more efficient. For example, a Japanese company has developed a robot that uses compressed air to dig up mines safely. Another Danish company is working on sensors that can detect explosive materials through soil. These new technologies are changing the way demining is done. They make the process faster, safer, and more systematic. This is crucial for Ukraine's recovery, as millions of hectares need to be cleared.