IAI REX Features Most Misleading Promo Video Ever

Writing by Evan Ackerman on Wednesday, 28 of October , 2009 at 1:53 am

Giant mechanical soldiers?! THIS TOTALLY IS SCIENCE FICTION. And furthermore, after you say something like that, you do NOT then present your actual product as a computer generated model.

If REX actually exists (and developer Israel Aerospace Industries insists that it does), it’s a little six wheeled robotic platform able to carry 200 kg on missions for 72 hours without needing to refuel. This is kind of like a miniature version of Lockeed Martin’s MULE, except that it’s about as user friendly as a well-trained dog: Rex will follow the lead soldier of a group automatically and responds to commands like “stop,” “heel,” “fetch,” and “roll over.”

Okay, maybe not that last one, but it does (somehow) fetch.

IAI is optimistic that there is a significant market for a low cost, reliable, and versatile robotic hauler. And I’m sure there is. I’ll tell you what, though: I bet there’s an even more significant market for a GIANT MECHANICAL SOLDIER.

[ IAI REX ] VIA [ CNET ]

Comments (5)

Category: Military

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5 Comments

Comment by T

Made Wednesday, 28 of October , 2009 at 8:04 am

There’s no excuse for getting someone’s hope up about the possibility of mechs, and then revealing that they, at most, have only the concept of a smart wagon for soldiers.

Comment by Spikey DaPikey

Made Wednesday, 28 of October , 2009 at 9:22 am

And now, we introduce the new bullet magnet for soldiers trying to make a covert approach….

Comment by Joe

Made Wednesday, 28 of October , 2009 at 10:25 am

Cheap promo video, even the sound effects are recycled. Doesn’t get my hopes up on REX’s quality or reliability.

“Smith’s been shot, get the first aid off the REX.”
“Hey where’s the REX?”
“Oh there it is, it stopped in the middle of that open field.”

“Heel REX, HEEL!”

Comment by Robotbling

Made Wednesday, 28 of October , 2009 at 2:07 pm

Not exactly the most optimistic outlook for 2154.

Comment by Evan Ackerman

Made Thursday, 29 of October , 2009 at 12:11 am

@Robotbling

Heh, seriously…