The truth is that it was not forces.
I stood in front of the target, ready to pull out the gun, and I knew I had no chance.
The goal was twofold - to hit as close to the center of the goal as possible, and to keep up with the murderous pace dictated by the robot.
We started firing, I'm trying to keep up, and he's shooting.
Boom Boom Boom.
Each ball hits inside the hole of the previous ball.
How the hell was I supposed to compete with such precision?
And that's the bottom line of this article, the robot that leaves dust on the best snipers in the IDF who specialize in the use of guns, and changes the face of battle.
Reporter: Hanan Greenwood // Photography: Gil Kramer // Editing: Amir Schwartz
The robot is called "Dogo", and it changes the rules of the game in combat in a built-up area.
Measuring several tens of centimeters, weighing 11 kilograms, and capable of traveling under cars or furniture and climbing stairs, it has in recent years become one of the most important tools in the toolbox of fighters of special units of the IDF and the world - from Israel, through various countries in Europe, to the United States "B.
Among the users of the robot are a Cherry unit that operates in Palestinian cities and villages on a regular basis, which has recently become the national unit for the war on terror and has carried out most of the terrorist attacks with blood on its hands in recent years. Gal, CEO of General Robotics, refuses to elaborate further.
The "Chameleon" climbs the walls // Photo: General Robotics
General Robotics was founded in 2009 by Gal's father, the former scientific deputy head of Mapat (the Ministry of Defense's Research, Weapons Development and Technological Infrastructure Administration).
He has friends who were killed there and others who are significantly disabled, so we decided to develop systems that would enter dangerous areas instead of the soldiers. "
Special lighting on the "dogo", Photo: Oren Cohen
The company's staff, which now numbers 30 engineers and staff, have developed a technology that can be used to operate various robots.
"We have developed an electronics card that knows how to connect eight cameras and transmit them in real time to the operator, so that he can watch a dangerous area as if he were there, at 360 degrees. In addition, we have developed a card that can operate many motors in a quality manner as well as weapons."
Today, more than a decade after the company was founded, it can certainly be said that it is an authority in the field.
About two and a half years ago, the IDF and police special units began to equip Dogo, and alongside them, weapons stations with revolutionary technology were installed on remotely manned vehicles operating on the Gaza border. Along with working in Israel, sophisticated robots operate in many armies around the world. "Most of our vision is for every infantry platoon to have our own robot, because it will save lives, unequivocally," says Gal.
"For us, the target is every fighter we have managed to save. The robots will not replace the fighters in our eyes in the coming decades, but there is potential here to save human lives. That is why we are here."
At a range in the heart of Ramla, the people of General Robotics presented us with the advanced robot.
The "dogo" moves on larvae, and is also able to rotate on its axis.
It carries one of two pistols - the Glock 26 and the Glock 19, which is the pistol used by the reconnaissance fighters and the security forces in Israel.
In addition, it is capable of carrying a large lighting system, or operating systems on killing and camouflage - pepper spray, smoke grenades and more.
In addition, inside the robot there is a powerful microphone and speaker, which make it possible to negotiate with terrorists if necessary without exposing fighters to risk.
The "dogo" at the range in Ramla, Photo: Oren Cohen
The development team of the robots, Photo: Oren Cohen
IDF fighters use "Dogo" during training, Photo: Oren Cohen
The great advantage of the robot is that a warrior does not have to expose himself to enemy fire.
As part of the work in a built-up area, fighters have to expose themselves to enemy fire as part of a turn in a corner of a house or wall, in what is known in military parlance as "opening a zig".
Activating the robot allows the fighter to use a deadly weapon in front of the enemy, with a much greater accuracy than the average person, without exposing him to risk.
The accuracy of the weapon is insane, if you see the target there is no question whether the robot will hit or not.
He is not stressed or breathing heavily.
You put a cross on the target and the story ends. "
"If you send a person into a situation he does not know - and they shoot at him, he has no time and sometimes he makes mistakes. Our robot does not make a decision to shoot alone, but the fighter who activates it is not in the line of fire but a few tens or even hundreds of meters back, which allows him "Make a calculated decision. In addition, the accuracy of the weapon is insane, if you see the target there is no question whether the robot will hit or not. It is not pressed or breathing heavily. You put a cross on the target and the story is over."
The "dogo" can be carried in a dedicated facility on top of the warriors' vest, and is activated quickly.
The goal is that when entering houses at risk he will lead the force, pass through places where it is better for a fighter not to expose himself to danger and carry out if necessary firing against terrorists lurking for fighters.
Chameleon robot, Photo: Oren Cohen
IDF fighters use "Dogo" during training, Photo: Oren Cohen
Easy to use via app, Photo: Oren Cohen
In addition to "Dogo", the company's people present us with the "Chameleon".
This is a relatively small robot, with four wheels, that does not carry any weapon, which aims to open up space and scan it to provide an up-to-date snapshot.
The "Chameleon" is also able to climb iron walls, which allows it to provide a view into a threatened area, such as a situation where there are hostages inside a tower, without endangering power. Almost unlimited, subject to absorption issues and the like.
"For us, the target is every fighter we have managed to save," Gal concludes.
"We want to put robotics inside to protect the soldiers. The robots will not replace the fighters in our eyes in the coming decades, but there is potential here to save lives. That is why we are here."
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