Autonomous systems for defence RENK and ARX Robotics drive software-defined mobility forward

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GGB Heilbronn GmbH

The defence sector is on the cusp of the next technological revolution: software-defined vehicles and autonomous systems promise greater flexibility, lower risks for forces and a far-reaching modernisation of outdated fleets. With their strategic partnership, the traditional company RENK and the DefenceTech start-up ARX Robotics are sending a strong signal for the industrialisation of precisely these future technologies.

What has long been standard in the automotive industry is now also finding its way into defence technology: vehicles whose capabilities are no longer determined solely by their hardware, but by software that can be flexibly expanded, updated and adapted. This is precisely where the new partnership between RENK Group AG and ARX Robotics comes in.
 RENK has decades of experience in military mobility solutions - particularly in drive and transmission technologies for tracked and wheeled vehicles. ARX Robotics, on the other hand, is recognised as one of the most innovative start-ups in the field of unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) and autonomous control systems. At the heart of its offering is the AI-based operating system Mithra OS, which digitally upgrades existing vehicles or controls new platforms.

Goal: scalable autonomy for military vehicles

The collaboration focusses on the development of industrially scalable, autonomous and semi-autonomous systems for the battlefield - so-called Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs). The platforms can be equipped with sensors, drones or carrier systems as required. This opens up new tactical options, for example in reconnaissance, logistics or even armed operations.
At the same time, Mithra OS is also designed to digitally upgrade existing military fleets. This reduces investment costs and accelerates modernisation in armed forces struggling with ageing vehicle fleets.

International scaling via RENK's network

A key advantage of the cooperation is RENK's global presence. The company's products are used by around 70 armies and 40 navies - including in the USA, France, Italy, India and the Middle East. These contacts make it possible to quickly integrate new UGV solutions into international programmes. RENK and ARX are also working together to establish regional production sites in order to localise supply chains and build up flexible production capacities.

A close alliance with a strategic dimension

The partnership thus addresses key industrial policy issues: it stands for the digital transformation of defence, addresses the demand for Europe's technological sovereignty - and it is in line with NATO's strategic guidelines, which increasingly focus on industrial resilience and innovation. Both partners are openly talking about a long-term perspective. According to the press release, joint ventures, participations or even deeper technological integration are conceivable.

Conclusion: from start-up to strategic lever

The alliance between the traditional company RENK and the agile AI start-up ARX Robotics is a pioneering alliance: it combines a deep understanding of systems with digital innovation - and is thus positioning itself as the European answer to the challenges of modern defence mobility.