
The Guardium UGV uses the TomCar
chassis. The vehicle is equipped with an automated tactical
positioning system and can operate autonomously on and off
road, at speeds up to 80 km/h. The vehicle can carry a payload
of up to 300 kg, including light armor shield to protect vital
systems. The UGV can carry a wide variety of sensors, including
video and thermal cameras, with auto-target acquisition and
capture, sensitive microphone, powerful loudspeakers and two
way radio. The vehicle can also be equipped with lethal or
less than lethal weapons which can be directed and operated
from the Main Control Center (MCC). A fleet of Guardium vehicles
can be used as sentries, controlled from the MCC, from where
they are launched on routine patrols, ambushes or operating
in response to events received from an early warning or perimeter
defense system. The MCC is also provided with automatic tactical
area definition, by terrain, doctrine and intelligence, which
assist in preparation of the operational planning and programming
for USVs. Each USV can also be manually controlled by remote
control.
Following a successful evaluation in 2005 Guardium was selected
by the Israel Defense Forces to operate as part of the border
security operations. By May 2008 the IDF received the first
batch of Guardium UGVs scheduled to enter fully operational
service along the countrie's borders by the year's end. In
2008 Israel's Airport Authority conducted an evaluation of
the system as part of possible integration of an autonomous
UGV as part of its airport security system.