Amstaff Robotic Vehicle To Replace Soldiers Along Israel’s Border

Amstaff Robotic Vehicle To Replace Soldiers Along Israel’s Border

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The Israel Defense Force has stopped stationing troops as a security measure at 22 communities along its northern and southern borders. Robotic systems may well be the substitute.

The Amstaff UGV. Illustration photo: Idan Gross
The Amstaff UGV. Illustration photo: Idan Gross

Army officials say the decision was based on efficiency, as opposed to budget concerns. It took close to 100 soldiers to guard nine communities in the north and 13 on the border with Gaza and Egypt in shifts. The army says they can deploy more efficient security measures – like lookout points and patrols. This automatic robotic vehicle, called Amstaff, is already being used to provide security in the Israeli town of Nahal Oz.

The Amstaff will be displayed in Israel’s unmanned vehicles salon event, AUS&R 2013, taking place November 26th, 2013.

We need to live a normal life,” a resident said in an NBC News interview. “We need to find new ways to keep our security.” The move has forced the settlement to look for new solutions – like replacing the soldiers with the Amstaff automotive robotic vehicle. The vehicle is remote controlled and can patrol the kibbutz fence 24/7, with no sleep and no complaints.

IHLS – Israel Homeland Security

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This is a good solution for first response,” said Amos Goren, who created the system. “On this vehicle we installed night vision cameras, a powerful light projector and a loudspeaker, which will replace a lot of manpower and save money.” The Amstaff is now on a test trial and is seen by settlement members as only a partial solution.

We are a strong community and we will manage,” said a Nahal Oz resident, “but I can only hope that right now, as we speak, a terrorist is not digging a tunnel underneath us and will pop up in the middle of the kibbutz and start shooting.”