Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has unveiled the Rex MK II unmanned ground vehicle (UGV).
The vehicle had been debuted at Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) 2021,
being held in London on 14–17 September.
Rani Avni, IAI’s deputy general manager for robotics and autonomous systems, told
Defense News, that the light unmanned ground vehicle draws on IAI’s previous experience
building robotic vehicles.
In this video Defense Updates analyzes how Israel Aerospace Industries' REX MK II will
potentially reshape the modern battlefield? Let's get into the details
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IAI has stated, new Rex MK II joins other operational unmanned platforms developed by
IAI including the Jaguar, an unmanned land platform for defending borders, gathering
intelligence and carrying out attacks; the RobARC, an operational unmanned platform for
uncovering and destroying ground level and subterranean explosive devices; the Robattle
– a robotic operational land platform with high maneuverability, carrying out complex
missions in difficult conditions, quickly and safely; the RobDozer – an unmanned bulldozer
intended to carry out complex military engineering in danger zones.
REX taps several features from the previous IAI systems and adds a few that makes it a
unique asset.
1. The hybrid-electric vehicle is capable of “silent watch,” meaning it can perform
certain missions without running an engine that makes it easy for the enemy forces to
detect it. 2. The robot is also able to operate on land
or amphibiously and can perform autonomous missions. It can also be controlled by a single
operator remotely. 3. For easy deployment, it is operated by
a handheld tablet. 4. The Rex includes a “follow-me” driving
mode adapted for infantry forces.
Avni stated, the robot is designed to support infantry and special forces, whether focused
on intelligence gathering, logistical support or remote attacks.
Rex MK II has a decent payload capacity of around 1.3 tons, supplies like medical equipment
and evacuates personnel on stretchers.
It comes equipped with a system of electro-optical sensors and radar that give it the ability
to perform surveillance and reconnaissance for units.
Since it is a 4×4 all-wheel hybrid electric vehicle, it has excellent maneuverability
and the ability to climb obstacles.
Importantly it can be equipped with weapons like a 7.62mm machine gun and a .50 caliber
heavy machine gun.
Zvika Yarom, GM Land Division of IAI, said: “The need to support ground forces in the
field to carry out various missions while minimizing threats to soldiers' lives is at
the heart of our values here at Israel Aerospace Industries. This system is based on harnessing
our decades long experience with UAVs, to implement in the world of land vehicles. IAI's
unmanned land platforms are in use operating along Israel’s borders and in different
fighting units as well as in other locations around the world. We are experiencing a rise
in demand from clients for unmanned land platforms.”
Avni said IAI is using artificial intelligence to stand out,
“We are utilizing a lot of technology inside based on artificial intelligence technologies
and software … that enable us to bring better performance, reducing the involvement of the
user,” he said. “I think we are quite advanced in this field as well.”
Infantrymen are vulnerable to different weapons including gunfire, especially when in a constricted
urban environment. Israel Defense Forces do face this situation
regularly as they have to counter heavily armed militants from organization like the
Hamas.
Systems like Rex MK II could be used in such a situation as they mature.
REX MK II already has few foreign customers.
Rani Avni told Defense News on Sept. 12 that IAI has signed a contract with the UK in the
second quarter of the calendar year and has sold the vehicle to other European countries.
He didn't identify the other countries. The unmanned land vehicle is the latest addition
to the world of autonomous technology, which is rapidly changing how a modern battlefield
is being thought of.
Several countries are working in this kind of tech and Israel is one of the few which
has excellent expertise in AI. REX MK II has a lot of promise and showcases
how Israel is able to stay a step of its rivals.