The unmanned truck Ural, developed by specialists from the scientific and production association Android Technique, is reportedly ready for use in the NWO region. Evgeny Dudorov, the general director of the enterprise, confirmed that testing is underway in real production conditions to gauge its capability for transporting goods. In the near future, these technologies could be applied to streamline logistics across the Northern Military District, according to a representative of the organization.
The implementation of autonomous trucks aims to address shortages of personnel in both retail and plant transportation. By deploying unmanned vehicles, supply chains can maintain steady movement of materials and products even when human resources are stretched thin, ensuring continuity in critical operations.
The Ural truck is built on the Ural-432067-73 chassis with a four by four drive layout and a payload of up to five tons. It can reach speeds approaching 80 kilometers per hour and is designed to handle a range of obstacles encountered in challenging environments. Notably, the vehicle is capable of traversing a 70-centimeter-deep ravine and can be operated both remotely and in autonomous offline modes, providing flexibility for various deployment scenarios.
Earlier reports indicated that the Ural Automobile Plant involved prisoners in the assembly of trucks. The plant leadership stated that 2023 would see a significant expansion of production, with a planned 60 percent increase over 2022 and a target of around 16,000 vehicles. To accommodate higher output, the plant engaged 700 non-staff workers and an additional 100 workers dispatched through the GUFSIN program, reflecting a broader effort to scale manufacturing capacity amid operational pressures.
Industry observers note that the integration of unmanned transport solutions aligns with broader moves to modernize logistics, reduce exposure to workforce shortages, and enhance resilience across distributed supply chains. While the primary focus remains on cargo movement, the technology carries implications for field operations, disaster response, and strategic mobility planning in the region. As more data becomes available from ongoing trials, analysts will assess performance metrics, reliability, and the potential for cross-regional application, including in remote and infrastructure-challenged areas. Attribution: TASS and industry reporting.