IAI's REX Robot to Face First Operational Trial

IDF gears to test unmanned vehicle, meant for logistic and munitions loads, in next ground exercise. A glimpse from the exciting new issue of IsraelDefense Magazine.


The IDF is gearing to test REX a new Israel Aerospace Industries robot designed to accompany the military's combat forces. The robot is programmed to move in toe with the rate of advancing troops, speeding up, slowing down and stopping when they do. The robot can be remote-controlled or walked on a leash – just like a dog.

REX is meant to carry logistic loads, munitions and weapons and is also designed to negotiate various types of obstacles and emit minimum noise, so as not to reveal the presence of advancing forces. REX is only one in a series of robots currently in development by IAI and will soon face its first trial in a major IDF exercise.


The Israel Aerospace Industries already unveiled several similar robots, and while the features of others will be made public in the future, some robots will remain veiled by a cloak of secrecy for years to come.

More on the REX robot awaits readers in the 9th issue of IsraelDefense Magazine. Also in the issue: Hezbollah’s new lines of defense; the lessons learned by the IDF since the Second Lebanon War; a special project on robotic packs in future warfare and an interview with Israel’s departing Minister of Homefront Defense, Matan Vilnai.