HAIFA, Israel, Aug. 11 (UPI) -- Israel's Elbit Systems has added new hand-portable robots to its line of products for surveillance, reconnaissance and support for troops in urban environments.
The new additions to the VIPeR system of unmanned ground systems are the Mini-VIPeR and Maxi-VIPeR, which feature body-mounted sensors and flat top and bottom surfaces for the mounting of mission payloads.
The Mini-VIPeR is a one-person portable system that weighs about 7.7 pounds. It's equipped with advanced sensors that allow full operation in adverse terrain, the company said.
The compact Maxi-VIPeR robot is designed to carry sensors and tele-operated manipulator arms for the handling of explosive devices and other hazardous materials.
Elbit Systems said both robots bear a resemblance to the Beagle, developed by Elbit Systems of America, but are closer to the Israeli-designed VIPeR which is being used by the Israeli military.
All VIPeRs are designed for portability and high mobility and can be configured with add-on sensors, modules and payloads for a variety of tasks.
