A backpackable uncrewed ground vehicle (UGV) capable of being quickly deployed in complex and contested environments has been developed by the U.S. defense firm AeroVironment (AV).
According to its developers, the TOM 50 RE weighs just 22 lbs, which makes it easy to carry and to be operated by an individual soldier.
Source: AV
Thanks to a a stair-climbing flipper system feature as well as optional attachments, TOM 50 RE is capable of navigating stairs, uneven terrain and confined indoor spaces — thus making it appropriate for bomb disposal applications in high-risk environments.
The company explained that the rolling robot can operate for up to five hours, carrying payloads of up to 5 kg. Designed for military, EOD, special operations and SWAT teams, the robot offers reconnaissance, autonomous mapping, bomb disposal, communications relay and sensor support in hazardous environments.
Another feature of the TOM 50 RE is simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) capability, which enables the TOM 50 RE to produce detailed digital maps of multi-level buildings and GPS-denied environments — including underground structures and dense urban terrain. Users can indicate points of interest on these maps and export data for immediate intelligence use as well as mission planning.
Further, the system features four high-resolution wide-angle cameras with infrared capability for situational awareness, offering 360◦ coverage in day, night and low-visibility conditions. Additionally, the system’s IP-mesh radio architecture offers secure, resilient communications and enables the UGV to serve as a mobile repeater, extending network connectivity for teams functioning deep inside structures, the team explained.
For more on the TOM 50 RE, watch the accompanying video that appears courtesy of AV.
