Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV)
Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
AeroVironment, Inc. has announced the launch of the TOM 50 RE, a compact, backpackable Uncrewed Ground Vehicle (UGV) developed by its subsidiary Telerob to support mobile exploration, reconnaissance, and explosive threat disposal.
The announcement was made at Eurosatory 2026, a global event for defence and security held in Paris. The robotic system is designed to allow dismounted forces, explosive ordnance disposal teams, and special operations units—including SWAT—to rapidly deploy robotic capabilities during tactical operations.
Wahid Nawabi, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of AV, commented, “The introduction of TOM 50 RE reflects AV’s commitment to delivering robotic systems that directly address the realities of modern ground combat and explosive threat environments. Today’s operators need systems that move with them, adapt to multiple missions, and provide immediate intelligence while reducing risk to human life. TOM 50 RE delivers that capability in a highly portable form factor built for the tactical edge.”
Weighing less than 10 kilograms (22 pounds), the compact vehicle is designed to be carried and deployed by a single operator in confined and complex terrain. Its tracked design incorporates a stair-climbing flipper system and dedicated mobility attachments, allowing the platform to overcome obstacles, navigate uneven ground, and operate inside structures. The vehicle provides up to five hours of operational endurance and can support payloads of up to five kilograms without compromising its mobility.
The platform features onboard simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) capability to autonomously generate detailed maps of interior spaces, multi-level buildings, and global positioning system (GPS)-denied environments such as underground structures and dense urban terrain. Operators can identify and record points of interest directly within the digital map and export mission data immediately following operations to accelerate intelligence exploitation and follow-on planning. For situational awareness, the vehicle is equipped with four integrated high-resolution wide-angle cameras with infrared capability, delivering persistent 360-degree visibility across day, night, and degraded visual environments.
Secure, resilient communications are provided via an internet protocol (IP)-mesh radio architecture that allows the system to function as a mobile repeater, extending connectivity for forces operating deep inside structures or complex terrain. Its modular architecture, enabled by the Mission Module Interface or an adapter supporting Telerob’s Universal Component Interface, allows operators to integrate mission-specific payloads like advanced camera systems and disruptors to tailor the system to evolving operational requirements.
Florian Gruener, Managing Director of Telerob and Product Line General Manager for Uncrewed Ground Vehicles, said, “TOM 50 RE was designed to deliver immediate robotic capability at the point of need, where operators face the greatest uncertainty and risk. Its ability to rapidly conduct these missions in complex terrain allows forces to gain critical situational awareness, mitigate threats, and make faster, more informed decisions—while keeping personnel out of harm’s way.”
The vehicle is controlled through AV_Halo COMMAND running on the Tomahawk Grip family of systems or the Robo Command Control System, allowing operators to manage the platform alongside other uncrewed systems. The system is built around four primary missions: mobile exploration for scouting high-risk environments; mission-accompanying reconnaissance using SLAM to map multi-story buildings and mark hazards; defusing missions to safely neutralize improvised explosive devices using modular disruptors and drop-charge payloads; and support roles in cooperation with the telemax EVO family of products, where it can serve as a mobile communications relay to extend operational reach and provide additional viewing angles for distributed teams.
At Eurosatory 2026, AeroVironment will be located at A250.
