Ukraine Develops Riko Ground Drone Capable of Carrying 400 kg

Ukrainian company IMLA has developed the RIKO ground drone, designed for use in extreme conditions.

IMLA told Militarnyi that the platform is intended for logistics, medical evacuation, and cargo delivery.

RIKO weighs 260 kg and can carry payloads of up to 400 kg (it has been tested with loads of up to 600 kg).

Four electric motors with a combined output of 6 kW deliver a maximum speed of 20 km/h and a range of 40 km.

“High ground clearance (220-380 mm) and low-pressure wheels with a diameter of 66 cm allow the platform to operate in off-road conditions, swamps, and other difficult terrain,” the company announced.

Two quick-release lithium-ion batteries with a total capacity of 11 kWh can be replaced in the field without tools.

One person can perform a battery replacement within minutes.

“A hybrid version with a 2.5 kW generator is planned, which effectively removes range limitations,” IMLA shared.

Drone communication

The platform is equipped with two independent communication channels — TBS Diversity and Starlink. Three cameras and two GPS modules provide the operator with situational awareness.

Control is carried out using proprietary software based on the MAVLink protocol, compatible with QGroundControl.

RadioMaster controllers and the Steam Deck controller are supported. The platform can operate in manual mode or autonomously along a pre-programmed route.

RIKO is available in several configurations — “Logist,” “Carrier,” and “Hybrid.”

“All design elements can be adapted to specific tasks directly in the field,” the company added.

Recently, Andriy Biletsky, commander of the 3rd Army Corps, stated that ground robotic systems could replace about one-third of Ukrainian infantry.