Officials emphasized that the system is not intended to function in isolation but will be integrated into a broader security framework that combines multiple technologies to strengthen defenses.
By Pesach Benson, TPS
Israel’s Ministry of Defense announced on Thursday that it has completed a series of successful trials with a new rail-mounted robot designed to secure sensitive sites, including prisons, military bases, and border facilities.
“A rail robot is a unique technological concept, whose significant advantage in relation to the field of robotics, drones, and autonomy is the high durability and reliability that such a system can bring to the field,” said Brigadier General Yehuda Al-Makiys, head of the Defense Intelligence Agency’s R&D unit.
“This is a semi-autonomous robotic system that is expected to work for weeks and months continuously with minimal maintenance, which will make facilities and borders safer.”
A rail robot is a robotic security or maintenance system that moves along a fixed track or rail, rather than operating freely like a drone or a wheeled robot. Tracks can be mounted along fences, prison walls, or border barriers.
The robot can move continuously along this track, powered by inductive charging embedded in the rail, which allows it to operate 24/7 without stopping to recharge.
According to the ministry, the system was conceived in light of operational lessons drawn from the war with Hamas.
During the trials, the robots were tested against a range of simulated threats, including the remote detection of people and vehicles, automatic tracking, early-warning capabilities, and surveillance in poor visibility.
מפא״ת במשרד הביטחון, לשכת המדען הראשי במשרד לביטחון לאומי ושירות בתי הסוהר, סיימו סדרת ניסויים מוצלחת ברובוט רב תכלית חדשני המיועד להגנה על גבולות ומתקנים ביטחוניים. pic.twitter.com/6dE5b3PeIA
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The system also integrates tools that allow remote response to security incidents.
Officials emphasized that the system is not intended to function in isolation but will be integrated into a broader security framework that combines multiple technologies to strengthen defenses.
Defense officials described the project as a breakthrough in Israel’s efforts to protect against both external and internal threats.
Yaron Shein, head of research and development at the Ministry of National Security, highlighted the operational value of the innovation.
“Dealing with security threats requires innovation, creativity, and rapid response — and the new robot is an excellent example of this,” he said.
“This is a technological leap forward, including continuous work capacity and advanced sensing capabilities, integrated into a groundbreaking operational system that will upgrade the protection of sensitive borders and facilities and provide a real operational advantage in real time.”
The Israel Prison Service described the project as a milestone in its modernization efforts.
Gunder Eran Peyer, commander of the IPS Southern District, said:
“The track robot pilot, which is being established at the Ela prison in cooperation with the Ministry of Defense and other security companies, is an expression of innovation and the integration of advanced technology with human capital. The project embodies the vision of the governance of the Israel Prison Service — strengthening security, creating warning capabilities and increasing deterrence inside and outside of prison facilities.”
Testing took place at the Ela Prison in Beersheba, in Israel’s southern Negev region.
Officials said the technology will be gradually integrated into use at border points, bases, and correctional facilities across Israel.
