Israel to supply 100s of customizable tiny tank-like robots to US

The United States Marine Corps has delivered an initial purchase order for around 130 Roboteam Micro Tactical Ground Robot (MTGR) systems. This will be part of a larger order with the Israeli company for additional robot systems totaling around $30 million.

The order was with Mistral Inc., Roboteam’s U.S. partner, rather than directly with them in Israel. The Marines will receive 200 robot units, along with spare parts and maintenance services.

The MTGR bots will be built locally in the United States, with final assembly conducted at Mistral’s White Marsh production facility. According to Zona Militar, the first batch of these robots has already been delivered.

The whole order is hoped to be fulfilled by the first quarter 2025.

Roboteam to deliver the robots by 2025

The current contract marks a significant milestone as it is the first entry into the US Marine Corps market, with potential for future orders.

The MTGR is a highly maneuverable, lightweight, and man-portable robotic platform. It has a robust design and agile mobility, including advanced capabilities like stair-climbing and self-righting. It excels in both indoor and outdoor terrains.

The MTGR also features day- and night-capable optics, providing users with 360 degrees of vision at all times. It also allows the user to zoom in on demand.

The MTGR weighs 33 pounds (15 kilograms), making it easily portable and the second-lightest robot the company produces.

It has treads and a manipulator arm that it can use to investigate objects, as well as communications and optics. MTGRs are ideal for tasks like Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) missions, special operations, or tactical maneuvers.

In addition to the MTGR, Roboteam’s combat-proven family of robotic systems (ranging from 3.3 pounds/1.5 kg up to 1.2 tons) has a track record of successful deployments of thousands of systems by Tier-1 defense and law enforcement customers in over 30 countries.

Are there more to come?

Roboteam’s platforms leverage MESH communication technology, which is powered by cutting-edge software and algorithms, streamlining transmission through a singular network. This enables centralized control via a single control unit, empowering operators to manage multiple systems seamlessly and with unparalleled ease.

“We are honored that the US Marine Corps has selected the MTGR to enhance their arsenal of combat engineering robotics. Proudly selected by Tier-1 customers globally, our unmanned platforms empower defense forces to execute missions efficiently while prioritizing soldier safety,” said Matan Shirvi, Roboteam CEO. 

“We have customized the MTGR to meet the U.S. Marine Corps’s operational needs, enabling them to maintain unmatched battlefield supremacy while enhancing their daily operational capabilities. We are delighted to collaborate with Mistral to bring this advanced robotic solution to the US Marine Corps, reaffirming our commitment to providing innovative solutions tailored to the demands of modern warfare,” he added.

Breaking Defense adds that Shirvi said he sees the new contract with the Marines as opening doors to other customers. He also predicts that as battlefields change, customers will need thousands of these types of robots rather than just hundreds currently used.