Robots Clear 227,000 Landmines in Azerbaijan Since 2020

A human deminer can clear about 50 square meters of land per day, carefully detecting hidden explosives that could kill them instantly. A remote-controlled robot can clear 2,000 square meters in the same time, with zero risk to human life.

Azerbaijan is leading a technological shift in humanitarian demining, using locally built unmanned vehicles to neutralize landmines left behind after years of conflict. Since 2020, the country has cleared more than 240,000 hectares and removed over 227,000 mines and explosive devices using a combination of robots, detection dogs, and manual clearance.

The Revival T, one of the latest models from Azerbaijani engineering firm ImProtex, handles both anti-personnel and anti-tank mines across rough terrain. These machines tackle the most dangerous areas first, where sending human deminers would be too risky.

"Traditional demining methods carry a high risk of human casualties," says Gunel Alakbarova, vice president of ImProtex. "Remote-controlled systems equipped with advanced sensors minimize this risk."

The speed difference is dramatic. Manual deminers clear 20 to 50 square meters daily, while mine detection dogs cover 200 to 400 square meters. Mechanical systems can clear 500 to 2,000 square meters depending on terrain, according to Emil Hasanov, deputy chairman of Azerbaijan's mine action agency.

The Ripple Effect

Faster clearance means families can return home sooner, farmers can work their land again, and communities can rebuild. Azerbaijan has invested 74.9 million manat (about $39 million) in mine action for 2026, with the EU adding $23 million more to support clearance operations and victim assistance.

The technology is spreading to other conflict zones. Azerbaijan has sent unmanned demining vehicles to Ukraine, where vast areas of farmland and residential zones remain contaminated following Russia's 2022 invasion. Ukrainian specialists received training alongside the equipment.

More than 6,000 people worldwide were killed or injured by landmines in 2024 alone. Mines can stay active for up to a century, blocking farmland and preventing refugees from returning home long after wars end. Countries like Egypt, Angola, Afghanistan, and Bosnia still struggle with contamination from conflicts decades past.

Humanitarian organizations including the UN Mine Action Service and Mines Advisory Group say landmines remain one of the biggest obstacles to post-conflict recovery. They restrict access to farmland, basic services, and safe resettlement for displaced people.

More than 50 countries still face mine contamination, but automated clearance systems are helping speed the work. What once took years can now happen in months, giving families their land and their lives back faster than ever before.