Russian Air Force cadets from the Military Educational and Scientific Center at the Zhukovsky and Gagarin Air Force Academy have reportedly developed a prototype of a robotic spy rock for use in urban and trench warfare applications.

The so-called “Spy Stone,” as the name suggests, resembles a rock that moves over rough terrain on tracks and reportedly blends into the environment. Once the rock reaches its destination, it can record 15 hours of both audio and video, processing and transmitting that data to operators roughly 1.25 miles away.

Source: Zvezda TV channel

According to its developers, the stone’s recording capabilities are activated when motion sensors are triggered.

Designed for conducting reconnaissance, the Spy Stone could potentially be used by soldiers taking shelter in trenches, letting them know when they can safely leave the area. The Spy Stone can also reportedly alert soldiers to an oncoming attack or an advancing enemy.

Still in the prototype stage, the developers hope to overcome some of the Spy Stone’s limitations including its short communications range and its small tracks that can be upended by moderate obstacles.