XTEND's AI robotics are redefining the boundary between humans and danger

In today’s complex reality, where security challenges shape daily life in Israel and far beyond, XTEND stands out as a story of innovation with a clear mission: keeping humans out of harm’s way by sending smart robotics in their place.

XTEND develops tactical robotic systems powered by advanced AI and a revolutionary concept it calls Human-Guided Autonomy. The principle is simple yet profound: machines think, maneuver, and adapt in real time, while humans retain strategic control. This partnership means that dangerous, high-stakes missions can now be executed faster, more accurately, and far more safely. From Israel and the United States to the Indo-Pacific, XTEND’s systems are already operational, supported by global manufacturing hubs and trusted by leading defense and security forces.

The XTEND story began with a unique meeting of visionaries. Brothers Aviv and Matteo Shapira, entrepreneurs who previously transformed sports viewing with Replay Technologies (acquired by Intel), joined forces with Rubi Liani, founder of Israel’s Drone Racing League, and Adir Tubi. Their early vision was to create a platform that allowed anyone to “be anywhere instantly” through intuitive man-machine interfaces. That vision soon found its most urgent calling: protecting human lives in real operational environments. XTEND was born — turning an immersive idea into a mission-critical reality.

At the core lies XOS, XTEND’s cross-platform operating system for human-guided autonomy. Unlike traditional “fully autonomous” robotics that risk removing human judgment from the loop, XOS empowers operators to deploy coordinated teams of drones and ground robots from a safe distance. The systems plan, act, and adapt on their own — but always in service of human decision-makers. Soldiers, police officers, and emergency responders become more powerful operators, while the robots take on the first and most dangerous steps.

XTEND is now on a clear trajectory to move from Level 2 autonomy (human-in-the-loop with real-time guidance) to Level 4 autonomy (human-on-the-loop with adaptive mission execution). This leap is not just a technical milestone, it is a paradigm shift in how security and safety missions will be carried out in the coming decade.

At Level 2, XTEND’s systems already give operators intuitive, immersive control to carry out complex tactical tasks: reconnaissance, breaching, counter-drone defense, and more. Humans remain deeply engaged in guiding the systems moment-by-moment. But the future lies in Level 4: teams of autonomous aerial and ground robots collaborating dynamically, executing missions end-to-end, and adapting to unforeseen changes in real time — all while the human operator supervises, authorizes, and makes critical ethical and strategic calls.

The implications are enormous. In the defense arena, this means fewer soldiers exposed to direct fire, fewer boots on the ground in contested zones, and missions completed with unprecedented speed and precision. For homeland security and law enforcement, it means immediate, remote response to threats — from active shooters to natural disasters — without risking first responders. And for everyday citizens, it means a safer world where help can arrive instantly, delivered by smart, AI-powered robotics.

Since its founding, XTEND has marked significant milestones: multi-million-dollar contracts with the US Department of Defense, large-scale procurement by the Israel Defense Forces, operational deployments in sensitive global conflicts, and expansion of manufacturing centers across the US, Europe, Singapore, and Israel. Its systems are in the hands of some of the most elite special forces in the world — and they are shaping the next generation of human-machine teaming.

But beyond the numbers, XTEND’s true contribution lies in redefining how humanity interacts with machines in the most critical moments. By ensuring that humans remain empowered while machines take on the danger, XTEND is building not just better technology — but a better, safer world.

“Our mission is clear: a world where human lives are never placed on the line unnecessarily. Robots will enter first and humans will remain safe.”

Looking forward, XTEND’s immediate milestone is accelerating global deployment of its AI-driven systems, raising autonomy levels, and integrating deeper adaptive capabilities. Its long-term vision is ambitious yet tangible: a future where no soldier, police officer, or emergency responder needs to physically enter harm’s way, and where every citizen can rely on instant, remote protection and support.

This is not just technological progress. It is the beginning of a new era: where Israeli innovation sets the global standard for safety, resilience, and human-guided AI robotics.