Safe Fields For Ukraine, the organisation supported by 2022's Service Dealer Awards, has successfully completed their prototype for an agricultural land de-mining system.

Jonathan Elwes, one of the founders of the organisation, said, "It's very exciting news that the ‘Safe Fields’ team in Vinnyt’sia, Ukraine have successfully completed the prototype.

"This was achieved against unbelievable odds; Vinnyt’sia was at times being bombed indiscriminately. The team worked through a bitterly cold winter while their heating and power systems were often out of commission and at this stage drone warfare taking place right across the country which made field testing very difficult to arrange."

Originally their Robotic Mine Detector was designed within a standard small tractor. After extensive testing, the tractor evolved into a revolutionary new vehicle with ultra-low-pressure tyres which they named the Frendt Rover. It has a significantly reduced weight footprint.

Jonathan Elwes speaking at the 2022 Service Dealer Awards

Jonathan continued, "On 20 September 2023 the Frendt Rover was introduced at the Agro Vinnyt’sia Exhibition which triggered a huge immediate response with well over 100,000 social media hits. The Frendt Rover can identify explosive objects to a depth of 50cms in an area of up to 10,000 square metres in one hour, whereas a single sapper is typically able to survey only 25 to 100 square metres in a whole day.

"Frendt have concluded agreements with Swiss Humanitarian Demining Organisation (a similar organisation to HALO Trust) who plan to operate production versions of the Frendt Rover before winter."

Service Dealer owner, Duncan Murray-Clarke, said, "We are so pleased that this project has flourished despite all the hardships faced by the team. We were delighted with the generosity shown at last years’ Service Dealer Awards and it seems the funds have gone to a very important cause that will save many lives and help agriculture in Ukraine."