Ukrainian Developers Train AI to Detect Landmines
The Ministry of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture of Ukraine recently announced a significant advance in their efforts to make Ukrainian territories safer through the application of artificial intelligence. This initiative, which took place at the Unit.City innovation park, marks a continuation of the AI Labeling Sprint that occurred on May 5 in Kyiv. The primary objective of this competition was to explore innovative technologies for demining and to expedite the removal of mines and other explosive devices threatening the region.
Ihor Bezkaravayny, the Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture of Ukraine, stated, “What began as an experiment has grown into a full-fledged project with international support and real results. The motivation is tremendous: through joint efforts, we must create a unique product that will help clean Ukraine of mine debris, that is, make it safer meter by meter. Without risking lives, with maximum use of technology.”
The second stage of the AI Data Jam competition brought together participants who dedicated two days to the development of highly efficient artificial intelligence algorithms. These algorithms are designed to automatically recognize mines and other explosive remnants of war. They worked extensively with over 8,000 training and 23,000 test images to ensure the accuracy and effectiveness of their models. Supporting their endeavors were experts from UADamage, The HALO Trust, and Dropla Tech, who provided valuable mentoring throughout the event.
The standout performers of this challenge were the MineWatch AI team, whose AI model demonstrated superior capabilities. In recognition of their efforts, the team was awarded a $2,000 certificate funded by UNDP Ukraine and the Government of Luxembourg. Furthermore, they earned the opportunity to continue refining their product alongside seasoned demining professionals.
The competition went beyond just crowning winners; the data amassed and the AI models constructed during this event are set to enhance existing artificial intelligence algorithms even further. Plans are in place to integrate these AI technologies into humanitarian demining processes after rigorous testing. This integration is expected to considerable accelerate the demining of Ukraine’s landscapes while augmenting both efficiency and safety for those involved.
Additionally, as reported by Ukrinform, further strides in AI integration are on the horizon. In June, a pivotal memorandum of cooperation was signed between the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine and Kyivstar. This agreement focuses on the creation of a large language model (LLM), which will serve as a foundational component of AI integration across various sectors, including public administration, defense, and business.
This landmark effort highlights Ukraine’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology for practical, real-world applications that save lives and rebuild communities. With ongoing support from multiple stakeholders and international partners, the potential to restore safety and order while mitigating life-threatening risks due to landmines is closer to becoming a reality.
