AeroVironment Unveils Man-Packable Ground Robot TOM 50 RE Designed for Explosive Ordnance Disposal

AeroVironment, Inc. has officially introduced the TOM 50 RE — a compact, man-packable unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) developed by its subsidiary Telerob — at the Eurosatory 2026 Defense & Security Exhibition in Paris.

Lightweight and Portable, Built for Complex Terrain

Weighing under 10 kg (approximately 22 lbs), the TOM 50 RE can be carried and deployed by a single operator across a wide range of missions, including mobile reconnaissance, mission-accompanying surveillance, explosive threat neutralization, and combat support. The tracked system is equipped with a stair-climbing flipper mechanism and dedicated mobility attachments that enable it to navigate stairs, rough terrain, and complex indoor environments. The platform provides up to 5 hours of operational endurance and can carry mission payloads of up to 5 kg without compromising tactical mobility.

The TOM 50 RE is intended for light infantry units, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) teams, and special operations forces — including SWAT units — providing them with rapidly deployable robotic capabilities.

Wahid Nawabi, Chairman, President, and CEO of AeroVironment, stated: "The introduction of the TOM 50 RE reflects AV's commitment to delivering robotic systems that directly address modern ground combat and explosive threat environments. Today's operators need systems that can keep pace with them, adapt to multiple missions, and deliver real-time intelligence while reducing risk to personnel. The TOM 50 RE brings that capability to the tactical edge in a highly portable form factor."

SLAM Technology Enables Autonomous Mapping in GPS-Denied Environments

For navigation and intelligence gathering, the TOM 50 RE is equipped with onboard Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) technology, allowing the platform to autonomously generate detailed maps of indoor spaces — including multi-story structures and GPS-denied environments such as subterranean facilities and dense urban terrain. Operators can mark and annotate points of interest directly on digital maps, and mission data can be exported immediately upon mission completion, accelerating intelligence analysis and subsequent planning.

360-Degree All-Weather Situational Awareness

Situational awareness is provided by four integrated high-resolution wide-angle cameras with infrared capability, enabling full 360-degree coverage during daytime, nighttime, and low-visibility conditions. The communications infrastructure is built on an advanced IP Mesh radio architecture — a secure and resilient system that allows the platform to function as a mobile relay node, extending communications coverage for forces operating deep within buildings or complex terrain.

Modular Architecture Supports Multi-Mission Configurations

The TOM 50 RE features a modular architecture that allows operators to integrate mission-specific payloads — such as advanced imaging systems and explosive disruptors — via a Mission Module Interface or adapters supporting Telerob's Universal Component Interface, enabling adaptation to evolving operational requirements.

Florian Gruener, Managing Director of Telerob and General Manager of the UGV product line, commented: "The TOM 50 RE is designed to deliver immediate robotic capability where it is needed most — in the places where operators face the greatest uncertainty and risk. Its ability to execute missions quickly in complex terrain enables forces to gain critical situational awareness, reduce threats, and make faster, better-informed decisions while keeping personnel out of harm's way."

Four Core Mission Roles

The system is engineered for four primary operational roles:

1. Mobile Reconnaissance: Conducting advance reconnaissance in unknown or high-risk environments to prevent personnel exposure to danger.
2. Mission-Accompanying Reconnaissance: Leveraging SLAM capabilities to mark hazardous areas for following forces.
3. Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Missions: Supporting improvised explosive device (IED) neutralization through modular disruptors and deployable explosive payloads.
4. Collaborative Support: Serving as a mobile communications relay alongside the telemax EVO product family while providing additional perspectives to enhance coordination among distributed teams, as part of AV's continuously expanding ground robotics portfolio.

The TOM 50 RE is operated via AV_Halo COMMAND software running on the Tomahawk Grip controller family or the Robo Command Control System, enabling operators to manage the vehicle in coordination with other unmanned systems.

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