Israeli developments in the war: a combat drone, a hypothermia sticker and a distress bracelet

The long period of fighting that Israel is going through, along with past wars, has led Israeli entrepreneurs to develop new solutions that help the fighters in the nearest field or those returning from it.

Rapid response to threats in the field: an autonomous combat drone

While stationed in the northern sector, Shaya Sonenberg encountered a frustrating situation – he spotted enemy operatives, but they were out of firing range. By the time air support arrived, the targets were already gone. Out of this frustration was born an idea that became a reality: an autonomous attack drone that bridges the gap between detection and response. Together with Semyon Piklov, the two founded the Corbotex company that develops offensive and autonomous drones.

The technology behind the company’s drones is based on an advanced combination of artificial intelligence-based computer vision algorithms and data collected from several fronts, including Gaza, the North, and even from the war in Ukraine. The system is trained on a large amount of realistic information, which allows it to be accurate in identifying targets in complex situations and changing terrain conditions. One of the outstanding features of the technology is the ability to navigate independently of GPS, using the SLAM Simultaneous Localization and Mapping algorithm, which enables optical navigation immune to electronic warfare interference.

The drone knows how to identify and lock onto targets in motion, using a tracking system based on artificial intelligence. The system monitors the environment in real time, and is able to intelligently track a target, adapt to changes in traffic and conditions, and reach the interception target autonomously, without harming those not involved. The advanced sensors installed on the drone communicate directly with the central control system and enable accurate orientation in the field, even in conditions of electronic warfare and complex urban terrain.

The development, which has already successfully passed a series of rigorous tests, attracted the attention of the Ministry of Defense. “The difficulty in coordinating with the air strike forces and the time that passed until their arrival allowed the targets to disappear,” Sonnenberg recalls the moment that led to the development. Now the company is in the final stages of turning the prototype into a product that can be produced on a large scale.

The race against time: the sticker that saves lives on the battlefield

During his participation in rescue and rescue expeditions in disaster areas, Dr. Amit Lehavi encountered a critical problem: many injured people suffered from hypothermia that endangered their lives. By the time they arrived at the hospital, their condition had already deteriorated significantly. Out of this urgent need was born an innovative solution: a smart heating patch that prevents dangerous cooling of the body Together with Technion graduate Hagai Weisbrod in biomedical engineering and Tel Aviv University graduate Adi, the three founded the company Rescue Heat, which develops advanced heating technology to save lives.

The technology behind the smart sticker is based on a unique development of a heating material registered as a patent, which is activated by shaking and exposure to air. The system is designed to heat up to an exact temperature of 42 degrees – the maximum safety limit to prevent burns. The development has undergone extensive testing in the laboratory and on human skin, and has demonstrated significantly higher efficiency compared to traditional heating methods.

The sticker reaches the target temperature in 15 minutes and maintains it for eight consecutive hours, with a heat transfer efficiency ten times higher than competing products. The system is easily integrated into the existing treatment protocol in the field, and allows the medical teams to focus on saving lives without delaying the activation of complex heating measures.

The development attracted the attention of medical officials in the IDF. “When the body’s temperature drops below 35 degrees, critical systems stop functioning and the danger to life increases,” Dr. Lehavi explains the urgent need for a solution.

The bracelet that detects mental distress: technology to prevent trauma

During her military service, Naama Mashiach (Resp. Major), a graduate of the Technion in aeronautics and space engineering, was exposed to soldiers who suffered from a post-traumatic stress disorder after difficult experiences in a rock formation. caused the deterioration and worsening of their mental condition. From this understanding, an innovative idea was born: an autonomous smart bracelet that detects stress and anxiety situations before they occur. Together with her personal experience as a mother of a child who suffered from neglect in kindergarten, Naama founded the company BUZZY, which develops advanced technology for monitoring situations of mental distress .

The technology behind the bracelet is based on an advanced sensor system that monitors physiological parameters in real time. The system is designed to adapt itself individually to each user, while learning the personal sensitivity threshold and the indicators unique to him. The development is designed to serve a wide variety of populations, from trauma survivors to young children who have difficulty expressing their distress.

The bracelet detects early signs of mental distress and warns before the outbreak of anxiety attacks, tantrums or post-traumatic episodes. The system provides continuous support even outside of treatment hours, and allows therapists and patients to monitor their mental state accurately over time.

Since October 7, 2023, the need for solutions for the early detection of mental distress has become more critical than ever. Surveys show that over 40% of Israelis reported significant anxiety symptoms, while among the residents of the Gaza Envelope and the north the numbers reach 70%. The situation is especially acute among the survivors of the “Nova” events, evacuees and families of victims, when the mental health system has difficulty responding quickly to the large number of referrals.

The development, which was accelerated following the war and the dramatic increase in the number of mentally ill people, aims to reach every home in Israel. “Not every person is able or interested in talking about their mental state,” Mashiach explains the vision, “our technology enables early detection and intervention even in cases where it is difficult to communicate the distress.” Now the company is working to quickly make the product available to a wide range of populations in need of mental support, especially in light of the ongoing national crisis.