Israel developing platform to control swarms of drones

The Israeli company Xtend's platform enables the coordination of a swarm of drones in which each drone has a high degree of autonomy.

Xtend's developments have both military and civilian applications, not only in Israel but also in the international market, according to NEWSru.co.il.

Brothers Aviv and Matteo Shapira, decided to found a new company, Xtend, which has developed and is improving such a platform. It allows drones and robots to be controlled with VR headsets and AI models, among other things.

Each drone (or ground robot) has a high degree of autonomy, but can act in teams. The operator controls the group, much like a gamer does, but in reality, not in a virtual world.

Aviv Shapira said that Xtend began working with the IDF in 2018, when it offered its platform to destroy flying "lighters" - balloons and kites that attacked Israel from Gaza. Teams of drones operated by Xtend are now used to map and reconnoitre Hamas underground tunnels. And the drones can carry explosives.

The Xtend platform has attracted the interest of the Pentagon, which has been contracted to create a drone interception application.

The development of Xtend is not only needed by the military. It is also finding civilian applications. The company plans to enter international markets, including Singapore and Japan.