Israel Unveils 'Robot Army' With Autonomous Drones and Ground Vehicles

Elbit Systems' FUSE division has revealed a suite of autonomous combat systems, including attack drones, drone swarm launchers, and ground robots, a day after the Israeli military announced the establishment of a new robotics and artificial intelligence branch. These advanced systems, some already in IDF use, embody the vision of "robotic forces" where a single operator manages an entire array of machines.

The "One2Many" operational concept allows one human operator to control dozens, or even hundreds, of drones and robots simultaneously. The system assigns tasks, plans movements, and manages the machines in real-time, a significant leap from traditional one-drone-one-operator models. This aligns with the IDF's plan, announced by Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, to create a dedicated robotics corps, expected to be inaugurated by Hanukkah.

Among the showcased systems are the Terminathor attack drone, the ManiTude intelligence-gathering drone, and the MagniXor tactical drone. Elbit also presented autonomous docking stations for drones and ground robots developed by its subsidiary Bluewhite. These systems are designed for intelligence gathering, carrying or dropping munitions, marking targets, and autonomous attack, with the final decision to strike remaining with a human operator.

Notable capabilities include operating attack drones in GPS-denied or jammed environments, with some drones utilizing fiber optic connections and having alternative communication channels or AI for target acquisition if the primary link is severed. The company also demonstrated a platform capable of carrying heavy munitions and a "rock"-disguised drone that can remain dormant for years until activated. Ground robots equipped with thermal cameras and lidar can autonomously navigate and avoid obstacles.

One system, the THOR multi-rotor drone, has already been selected by the U.S. Army for its ability to perform autonomous takeoffs and landings with various payloads. Over 1,200 THOR platforms are in operational use globally, and Elbit is establishing a production line in the U.S. to supply thousands of units.