Imagine a world where soldiers no longer have to risk their lives performing dangerous and grueling maintenance tasks. That future is here, and it’s powered by a mechanical AI robot that’s revolutionizing tank maintenance. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) recently unveiled a groundbreaking robotic system developed by Ruby AI, an Israeli company, that can complete 48 hours’ worth of tank maintenance—including fault detection, cleaning, and repairs—in just two hours. But here’s where it gets even more fascinating: this robot doesn’t just mimic human actions; it operates autonomously, keeping soldiers out of harm’s way and away from hazardous chemicals, extreme heat, and other risks.
Designed to resemble a mechanical octopus, the robot features multiple robotic arms capable of navigating the intricate interior of a tank’s engine. It’s not just a cleaner—it’s a multi-tasking marvel that scans, washes, and performs precise operations previously reserved for human hands. And this is the part most people miss: the robot’s ‘brain’ is just as impressive as its arms. Ruby AI has developed a Physical AI core that learns from its environment, understands what it sees, and executes tasks with unparalleled precision. As Daniel Ben Dov, CEO of Ruby AI, explains, ‘This isn’t your typical factory robot. It thrives in mud, dust, heat, and cold—environments where humans shouldn’t be.’
But here’s the controversial part: while this technology is undeniably a game-changer for soldier safety, it raises questions about the future of human roles in military operations. Are we outsourcing too much to machines? Ben Dov addresses this head-on: ‘We’re not developing robots to replace soldiers in combat. Our focus is on relieving them of dangerous, repetitive tasks so they can focus on what truly matters.’
Ruby AI, founded in 2020 and based in Northern Israel’s Bar Lev High-Tech Park, isn’t stopping at tank maintenance. The company’s portfolio includes the world’s only fully autonomous refueling robot, deployed in the United Arab Emirates. This robot operates in explosive environments without human contact, adhering to strict safety standards. ‘If a robot can refuel, it can handle hazardous materials,’ Ben Dov notes. ‘This opens up a whole new world of military maintenance possibilities.’
Looking ahead, Ruby AI is developing robots to replace heavy tank and bulldozer wheels—a task that currently requires immense physical effort and carries a high risk of injury. These robots can lift over 100 kilos with precision, working alongside soldiers to take on the most dangerous chores. ‘We’re not building robots to fold laundry,’ Ben Dov emphasizes. ‘We’re tackling the toughest jobs in the toughest places.’
One of the company’s most ambitious goals? Developing a robot to clear underground tunnels—a task so dangerous it’s often considered a death sentence for soldiers. ‘A humanoid robot can’t crawl through mud and water,’ Ben Dov points out. ‘We design robots for the mission, not for aesthetics.’
And it doesn’t stop there. Ruby AI is also venturing into military medicine, developing five-fingered bionic arms capable of performing precise therapeutic operations, even in environments contaminated by chemical or biological agents. While the IDF is cautiously evaluating these advancements, the direction is clear: robots are here to support, not replace, soldiers.
But what do you think? Is this the future we want, or are we crossing a line by delegating so much to machines? Let us know in the comments—this is a conversation that’s just beginning.
