Pentagon Orders 200 Small Tactical Robots From Israeli Company

Israeli platform developer Roboteam, which makes robots for military and security missions, announced it has received an order for over 200 Micro Tactical Ground Robots (MTGR) from the U.S. Marine Corps amid rising demand for small-scale tactical vehicles on the battlefield.

A lightweight and highly maneuverable unmanned system, the MTGR is designed to perform tasks that are otherwise impossible for existing ground vehicles, such as climbing stairs and navigating tight spaces.

“Whether deployed for Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) missions, special operations, or tactical maneuvers, the MTGR’s unparalleled performance and adaptability ensure superiority in navigating and overcoming field challenges,” Roboteam said in a statement.

The purchase order was received through collaboration with Roboteam’s U.S. partner, Mistral Inc. The Israeli company will supply an initial 130 units, spare parts and maintenance services, according to a press release.

“We are honored that the U.S. 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 Roboteam CEO Matan Shirvi.

The MTGR weighs 33 pounds, making it the second lightest robot in Roboteam’s inventory. It has treads and a manipulator arm for investigating objects, along with advanced communications and optics. The modular design allows users to add their own payloads.

The system measures 17.9 inches in length, 14.5 inches in width, and 5.7 inches in height. It can carry up to 22 pounds, climb stairs at a 45° angle, and overcome obstacles up to 14 inches high. It operates in temperatures from -4°F to 140°F and can run for 2 to 4 hours on a double battery pack.

Equipped with advanced imaging and sensor capabilities, it offers 360° video coverage with up to 8 cameras, 10x optical zoom, and day and night illumination (white and 360° near-infrared). The sensor tilt range is -20° to 90°, and it has audio communication through a 3.5 mm jack on the controller.

This is the second deal Roboteam has struck with the Pentagon. Previously, the U.S. Air Force acquired hundreds of MTGR systems as part of a $25 million contract. For the Marine contract, the company said it will ship a customized version of the MTGR.

“We have customized the MTGR to meet the U.S, Marine Corps’ operational needs, enabling them to maintain unmatched battlefield supremacy while enhancing their daily operational capabilities,” Shirvi said.