Mia Dynamics has spent the past five years transforming from a micro‑mobility innovator, selling to the civilian market, into one of Israel’s most agile developers of unmanned ground systems.
Founded by CEO Itzik Calderon, the company began by selling thousands of electric mobility platforms worldwide – lightweight, stable four‑wheel vehicles built on a patented tilting architecture, capable of handling both urban and off‑road environments.
That same platform has now become the backbone of a rapidly expanding defense‑tech effort.
“October 7 changed everything for us,” Calderon said. “Today, more than 50% of our R&D is focused on defense applications. The market is incredible, but for us it’s not only a business – it’s a mission.”
In the weeks following the Hamas attack, Mia Dynamics identified a gap in ground‑based unmanned capabilities. While air forces rely heavily on unmanned systems, ground troops still face the battlefield largely alone.
Calderon and his team saw an opportunity to scale their proven micro‑mobility platform into a remotely operated robotic vehicle – one that could carry heavy loads, navigate complex terrain, and support soldiers at the front. That idea became Mia Robotics, the defense‑focused subsidiary of Mia Dynamics.
Ground robots
The result is a new generation of unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) built on a platform that has already been tested for years in civilian markets.
The system can stabilize itself, climb steep hills, traverse obstacles, and operate on and off‑road. Despite weighing only 80 to 90 kilograms, it can carry up to 225 kg. – nearly a quarter of a ton. It can reach speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour, operate for 8 to 12 hours depending on battery configuration, and travel up to 200 km. on a single charge.
One of Israel’s largest defense companies is now collaborating with Mia Robotics to integrate mission‑specific technologies – whether lethal payloads, optics, sensors, or autonomous navigation – directly onto the platform.
“Every application is developed together with the client,” Calderon said. “We bring mobility and stability; they bring the mission requirements. Together, we build a system that can go straight into the warzone.”
The platform is already being used on the battlefield, supporting units in logistics, reconnaissance, and frontline operations. Calderon said that the feedback from soldiers has been immediate.
“We see how it improves the warfighter on the frontlines. It can help, support, and protect the soldier. We believe the future [of war] is [made up of] humans and unmanned robotic platforms operating side by side.”
Dual-use opportunities
Beyond defense, the company is pursuing dual‑use opportunities in agriculture, logistics, hospital transport, airport security, and police operations.
Mia Dynamics already works with customers across the American homeland security ecosystem, such as police departments, airports, and fire and rescue services, as well as partners in Europe and the Middle East.
With just 15 employees, the company is moving quickly. Its next major system, the MIA R4x4 robotic micro‑mobility platform, is under development and designed to support missions ranging from tunnel operations to autonomous border patrol.
“We’re closing the gap,” Calderon said. “Ground forces will always be on the frontlines. If the air force uses unmanned platforms in the sky, we want to be there on the ground right alongside the warfighters.”