Israel: 'Octopus' robot cuts tank cleaning time from 2 days to 2 hours

Israeli company Ruby AI has developed an autonomous robotic system, dubbed the "octopus" robot, that drastically reduces tank maintenance time for the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) from 48 hours to just two. This high-tech robot, equipped with multiple specialized arms, can clean, scan, and perform intricate maintenance tasks inside tank engines without human intervention. Operating fully autonomously, it protects soldiers from hazardous conditions such as toxic chemicals, corrosive oils, and extreme heat, which were previously unavoidable during manual tank upkeep. The system leverages a proprietary Physical AI core that enables it to navigate complex, unstructured environments like mud, dust, and heat, distinguishing it from conventional factory robots that require sterile conditions. Ruby AI, founded in 2020 by defense and space industry veteran Daniel Ben Dov, focuses on heavy-duty, repetitive, and dangerous tasks rather than consumer robotics. Beyond the tank-cleaning robot, the company is developing additional robotic solutions including machines capable of replacing heavy tank wheels to prevent