Robot allows safe recon in hot areas.

• Author: Williams, Robert H.
• Position: TECH TALK

A new robotic vehicle--called Avant Guard--just entered an increasingly crowded market for systems that can conduct surveillance and reconnaissance duties in risky urban battlefields. Built by Elbit Systems Ltd., of Haifa, Israel, it also can be soldier driven.

A sensory perception package for identification and avoidance of fixed and moving obstacles comprises the heart of this vehicle. It can be mission plotted. Ground...