MOSCOW, Aug. 3 (UPI) -- Russia's engineers are developing a 7-ton universal armored crawling robotic system due to be tested by the end of 2015.
It will be capable of being used in all kinds of "human-unfriendly" environments, which include battlefield and nuclear fallout places, as well as extreme polar night Arctic conditions and mine sweeping areas.
Called the URP-01G, the device contains dimensions of about 3.5 meters long and less than 2 meters wide, reported Russia Today. The robot will carry up to two tons of hardware with a maximum speed of 40 kilometers an hour.
"The URP-01G robotic platform is a universal armored vehicle designed to work in locations that represent a serious threat to people's lives. It can be used during military action, reconnaissance, emergency situations, rescue operations and demining," said United Instrument-Making Corporation Deputy CEO Sergey Skokov, as reported by Sputnik News in May.
The combat module will give the platform strike and reconnaissance capabilities, Sputnik News reported Saturday.
Russia's Systemprom Concern developed the system as part of the United Instrument Manufacturing Corporation, RT also reported.
"We create several systems," Aleksey Simulin, the head of Systemprom's Science and Technology Department told Russian media.
"One of them is universal robotic complex capable of carrying various types of working payload. Onboard the complex there will be a large variety of accessory sub-systems to maintain [electric] supply and control of the payload systems," Simulin added.
Russian media is also reporting that the robotic platform could be transformed into a radio-electronic warfare unit -- or communication repeater -- which means it can accommodate a high-capacity power supply system.
Other battle robotic systems -- like Platform-M and Uran -- are already actively being tested by the Russian army. They are armed with small-arms and anti-tank rocket launchers, Russia Today also reported.
Last week, Russia showcased its latest military equipment in Sevastopol, Crimea. The remote-controlled Platform-M combat robot and Bastion air defense and anti-ship missile system were on display in the city streets. In March, Russia celebrated the 1-year anniversary of its annexation of the self-autonomous region.
