FirstLook 125 is a rugged, throwable personal reconnaissance system (PRS) developed by US defence company Teledyne FLIR Defense, a subsidiary of Teledyne Technologies.
The unmanned ground system is intended to give operators an initial remote option for assessment and engagement. Designed for squad and fire team use, it aims to reduce risk to personnel by delivering real-time visual, thermal and audio awareness in complex terrain.
Recommended White Papers
Recommended Buyers Guides
The FirstLook 125 ground robot was unveiled during the Special Operations Forces Week 2026 held in May in Tampa, Florida, US.
FirstLook 125 design and features
FirstLook 125 weighs 2.6kg (5.7lb) and is built to survive drops of up to 5m (16.4ft), while remaining safe to throw over distances of up to 10m.
The PRS can self-right after impact to continue operating and includes an expandable payload interface for mission-specific equipment.
The system includes white light and near-infrared illumination and carries an IP67 rating for resistance to dust and water. It has been developed to meet US Department of Defense environmental test requirements under MIL-STD-810H.
Visual and communication systems
The robot’s payload includes high-definition electro-optical/infrared cameras providing full 360-degree coverage, supported by forward and rear thermal cameras and two-way audio intended to support use in low-light, global positioning system-denied and cluttered settings.
Visible and infrared imaging are integrated to support day and night intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), with encrypted, low-latency video and control links for real-time operation.
Operational range can be extended using a radio relay, either through another FirstLook unit on the ground or via a Black Hornet 4 PRS used as an airborne relay.
FirstLook 125 PRS controller
The FirstLook 125 system is operated using a chest-mounted ruggedised end-user device and a one-handed tactile controller designed for use with gloves.
The handheld controller incorporates an analogue joystick for pan and tilt and a throttle input for precise handling.
The FirstLook 125 controller also works with the Black Hornet 4 and Nett Warrior situational awareness system and is compatible with the Android Team Awareness Kit.
Performance and mobility
The FirstLook 125 robot is powered by a replaceable battery, which offers up to five hours of operation.
The robot can reach speeds of up to 10km/h and supports zero-turn manoeuvres for confined spaces, can negotiate slopes up to 30 degrees and traverse obstacles up to 15.2cm (6in).
Using its advanced tracked mobility system, the robot can navigate stairwells, rubble and uneven ground, while its articulated flippers allow it to force its way through debris, obstacles and tight areas.
Mission capabilities
The FirstLook 125 PRS provides real-time situational awareness in demanding environments to support faster decisions and help lower operational risk.
The platform is designed to support dismounted military troops and mobile units by providing ISR across a range of environments. Engineered for one-person carriage, it supports swift deployment and prolonged dismounted missions while maintaining full mobility and operational endurance.
According to GlobalData’s report titled Unmanned Ground Vehicles: Strategic Intelligence, the robot’s launch aligns with the evolving unmanned ground vehicle market in the US, which is experiencing sustained double-digit percentage growth, driven largely by heightened investment in tactical systems designed to reduce operational risk and accelerate situational awareness for dismounted troops.
Additionally, the robot is designed for rapid tactical insertion through windows, doorways and other tight access points, enabling instant positioning without sacrificing sensor performance, manoeuvrability or overall system resilience. It can be used in confined and subterranean areas and can support building clearance activities.
FirstLook 125 also features commonality intended to support integrated indoor and outdoor ISR, enabling quicker transitions between platforms and continuous awareness across domains.
