MK-4 Merkava

Project overview

Defense-Grade Unmanned Ground Vehicle & Tactical Asset

Technical Specifications & System Architecture

Processing & Communication Microcontroller Unit: 32-bit ESP32, 240 MHz for high-speed PWM motor control, telemetry, and processing

Connectivity: Integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth LE for wireless telemetry and remote teleoperation

Drivetrain & Mobility

Motor Drivers: Cytron MDD10A dual-channel motor driver for 10A continuous, 30A peak per channel

Motors: Low-speed high-torque Johnson DC geared motors for max torque at zero percent duty cycle

Tires: 125mm high-clearance off-road RC tread tires with deep dish rims for obstacle climbing

Manipulator Servos: Two MG995 metal gear servos for manipulator pitch and claw opening

Gripper: High aperture dual-jaw claw for max payload capacity of cylinders and irregular objects

Armor: Heavy-gauge steel cover over gripper joint with MIG welds for torsion resistance

Chassis & Power

Chassis: aluminum CNC laser-cut frame with fold-out landing gear for high shock absorption

Power: High-density 21700 Li-ion battery for continuous high-current draw for uninterrupted operation

Armor: Hydro-dipped military camouflage center body with laser-engraved MERKAVA badge on fenders

Enhanced Personnel Safety

Hazardous Area Isolation: Keeps operators at standoff range during EOD or hazardous material operations Blast & Collision Protection: MIG-welded gripper protection cover and Aluminum hull protects sensitive onboard electronics from impacts and debris

Rapid Field Operations

High-Torque Mobility: Japanese Johnson geared motors + 125mm off-road tires grant rapid obstacle climbing capabilities over rough terrain, ditches, and rubble Targeted Pick-and-Place: Dual high-torque MG995 servos allow for stable grasping of delicate objects, structural elements, or EOD ordnance

Reliable Wireless Communication

Low-Latency Joystick Control: Wireless joystick and app-based control with ESP32 MCU for real-time directional control and manipulator positioning Live Environmental Telemetry: Onboard gas sensors and display relays vital data about ground conditions to the operator before entering potentially hazardous environment

Multi-Mission Operational Assistance

Logistics Support: Can deliver essential supplies, equipment, or even medical kits to frontline operators during a mission Reconnaissance Surrogate: Can probe hazardous or enclosed environments for threats before human operators enter

Future-Proof Modular Architecture

Sensor and Hardware Expansion: aluminum chassis includes multiple mounting points for add-on thermal cameras, LiDAR rangefinders, computers, or other mission-specific hardware

Extended Use Cases EOD & Bomb Disposal: Remote manipulation and extraction of hazardous ordnance and explosives

Search & Rescue: Entering enclosed environments like tunnels or collapsed buildings to deliver aid or extract personnel

Industrial Hazard Containment: Entering gas- or vapor-filled enclosures to collect atmosphere samples and manually isolate valves