Where Robots Go to Play

Inside the new 400-square-meter Elbit Systems robotics lab in Beer Sheva, southern Israel, scientists and engineers have access to advanced facilities. They can practice robotics in a tailored indoor environment, simulate complex scenarios with virtual reality, and create specific robot parts using a 3D printer. These capabilities are just the start of what this innovative space offers.

The project began following a successful bid to be part of the new science and commerce district in the city. It’s steadily becoming a central hub for Ben-Gurion University students and Elbit Systems employees alike.

Benny, the R&D Director in the CTO department of the company’s C4I & Cyber division, explains: “The lab supports every phase of the innovation process, from product characterization, choosing the right platform and sensors for mission success, to algorithmic programming and the robotic execution of solutions.”

Academia Meets Industry

The initiative to bid for the project was spearheaded by the R&D department at the company’s headquarters, involving a collaborative effort with the Synergy7 group, including the global computing firm Dell, Ben-Gurion University of Beer Sheva, Soroka hospital and the Merage Foundation during the founding process.

Benny further elaborates on their involvement: “Our role in this initiative is to establish an autonomous robotics laboratory, with a particular focus on indoor settings. We’re fully committed to this project, leveraging our expertise to pinpoint precise requirements that will fine-tune the lab’s contributions to global research. Moreover, we’ve brought on specialists to elevate our value proposition.”

The lab was set up a few months ago, though its completion was delayed by administrative procedures. While it hasn’t begun serving external clients yet, the foundation is firmly established, and operations are “more or less getting started.”

Benny is optimistic that, in the next few months, the arrival of all necessary equipment will enable the lab to establish connections with various companies, suppliers, and academic institutions.

The lab is equipped to meet all development needs, from defining platforms and identifying critical sensors for successful operational missions, to addressing algorithmic and programming challenges.

“Our solutions in this area are remarkable,” Benny asserts. He highlights the lab’s versatile experimental space, featuring movable walls among other innovations, enabling thorough testing of various solutions under different conditions. “For startups looking to launch projects, presenting their product in our lab to potential investors greatly boosts their prospects,” he explains.

Virtual Test-Zone

Among the features highlighted, the lab boasts one that is widely regarded as a leap in the field of Human-Robot Interface (HRI) research and robotics development at large.

“In the lab, we’ve created a simulation environment modeled on digital twinning in collaboration with NVIDIA,” Benny says. “This environment allows us to simulate the robot’s processing by introducing a task into its computer, enabling operation within a virtual setting instead of the real world. In essence, the entire environment in which the robot functions is software-based, not physical. Achieving this level of simulation requires substantial computing power, which is uniquely available in a lab setting.”

According to Benny, this method enables highly efficient work. “Developing without it is almost unimaginable.”

A Mutual Benefit

“Today, we maintain a close relationship with academia,” Benny states. “It’s a partnership that extends beyond simple collaboration. We actively transform academic research into practical applications within this framework. Students involved in our projects earn academic credit for their work, creating a mutually advantageous connection.”

He further explains that students who stand out during their project involvement are presented with unique opportunities to join Elbit Systems. This allows them to apply their skills and knowledge in ways that align with the company’s objectives. “This reciprocal relationship benefits both the company and the students, offering them valuable experience and opportunities for growth,” he adds.

“Our relationships with academic institutions grant us access to leading experts in our fields of interest,” says Benny. “Such close ties allow us to stay at the forefront of innovation and development, securing our position as industry leaders.”Top of Form

This partnership reflects the ethos of the Incubit, where ideas are carefully nurtured and developed for mutual benefit. “Although we do charge for lab services, we are always on the lookout for opportunities to collaborate with startups and other organizations, aiming to drive innovation and growth within our community.”

Giving a Chance to Local Talent

To sum up, it’s vital to recognize that the lab’s primary workforce is drawn from local talent, with a significant number being alumni of Ben-Gurion University. This deep connection to the community underscores Elbit Systems’ dedication to fostering local talent and promoting innovation within the regions of its operations.

“We hold a very strong commitment to nurturing local communities,” Benny concludes. “We can say that it is one of the main values of our company”.