Russia turns Chinese 'golf carts' into remote-controlled war robots

Russian forces have repurposed Chinese-made Desertcross 1000-3 all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), originally designed as recreational utility vehicles, into remote-controlled battlefield robots. This adaptation was carried out by the 36th Guards Combined Arms Army of Vostok and reported in early October 2024 during operations in Ukraine. The modified vehicles are used primarily to lay up to five kilometers of fiber-optic communication cable remotely, reducing the exposure of Russian signal troops to enemy fire. These conversions utilize commercially available electronics and 3D-printed parts, allowing operators to control the vehicles from a safe distance, thereby minimizing casualties in high-risk frontline zones. Beyond communication roles, the Desertcross ATVs have been adapted for logistical support and direct combat, with some fitted with various machine guns and grenade launchers, as well as anti-drone defenses like nets or cages. While these vehicles offer a cost-effective and flexible solution amid Russia’s operational challenges, they remain lightly armored and vulnerable to destruction by