The teams taking part in the Second Phase of the trial of sensors to detect mines and explosive remnants of war have managed to detect more than 60% of the items, both hidden under the soil and buried on the surface. This is stated in a report prepared on the basis of the tests conducted in May this year. These results will serve as the framework for the development of a standard on the use of sensor technologies in humanitarian demining.

"Over the year, we have seen significant progress in the development of detection technologies by Ukrainian teams. Both the number of sensors used by the Phase II participants and the quality of the neural networks that analyse the collected information have increased. Importantly, three teams demonstrated a high level of detection of plastic objects. This is a big problem for deminers today, and the use of sensors will make clearing Ukrainian fields safer for deminers. The tests bring us closer to creating a standard for the use of sensor technology at the stage of non-technical inspection," said Ihor Bezkaravayny, Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine.

Both Ukrainian and international companies took part in the tests. The teams demonstrated the effective integration of electro-optical sensors with artificial intelligence and machine learning systems for non-technical inspection of potentially contaminated areas. The seven organisations tested their developments on an area of 1.44 hectares, where 27 mines, cluster munitions and unexploded ordnance were placed - both on the surface and underground - to create conditions as similar as possible to those in mined areas in Ukraine. The test participants managed to detect 78% of explosive items on the surface, about 70% of metal and buried items, and 62% of plastic items.

"The knowledge and experience gained from our recent trials will help us to improve artificial intelligence algorithms and integrate remote sensing technologies that are essential to improve the effectiveness of mine action efforts in Ukraine," said UNDP Resident Representative Jaco Cilliers, who underlined the importance of the Phase II results.

The findings demonstrate the significant potential of using modern remote sensing technologies in humanitarian demining, which will significantly increase the efficiency and effectiveness of humanitarian mine action efforts in the country.

The trials highlighted the critical importance of innovation in the fight against landmines and explosive remnants of war in Ukraine. They also have the potential to create safer communities and accelerate the country's economic recovery.

The tests were organised by the UNDP Mine Action Project in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine. The Phase II of the trials is a continuation of a series of trials conducted in Ukraine in the summer of 2023 with the support of Croatia, France, Malta, the Netherlands and Sweden.