Rheinmetall Takes Over InterRoC VII

Autonomous military convoys Rheinmetall Takes Over InterRoC VII

2026-07-16 Source: Press release Rheinmetall AG | Translated by AI 3 min Reading Time

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Rheinmetall is advancing autonomous military logistics with the InterRoC VII research project, combining AI, sensor fusion, and interoperable vehicle technologies for future convoy operations.

On behalf of the BAAAINBw, Rheinmetall has assumed overall responsibility for the autonomous convoy research project InterRoC VII.(Source: Rheinmetall AG) — On behalf of the BAAAINBw, Rheinmetall has assumed overall responsibility for the autonomous convoy research project InterRoC VII.
(Source: Rheinmetall AG)

On behalf of the German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In Service Support (BAAINBw), Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles GmbH has assumed overall responsibility for the InterRoC VII (Interoperable Robotic Convoy VII) research project. With this initiative, Rheinmetall is further strengthening its leading role in the development of highly automated military logistics systems and reaching another milestone on the path towards the digitalisation of military mobility.

The transfer of project responsibility took place shortly before Rheinmetall achieved the highest ranking in the convoy scenarios category at the European Land Robot Trial (ELROB) 2026, held at the Thun military training area in Switzerland. The international testing event is regarded as Europe's leading demonstration platform for unmanned ground systems and autonomous robotics under realistic military operating conditions. There, Rheinmetall demonstrated the capabilities of its autonomous logistics solutions in demanding convoy and transport scenarios.

Advancing interoperable convoys

InterRoC VII is the latest element in the successful Interoperable Robotic Convoy (InterRoC) research programme. The project's objective is to further develop highly automated convoy operations and evaluate interoperable vehicle formations in which different vehicle platforms operate autonomously and safely together.

The focus is on advanced automation, perception, and decision making functions together with robust path planning for heterogeneous vehicle formations. The technologies under development are designed to ensure reliable and safe convoy operations even under demanding military conditions.

oerlikon-skynex-01-1335x751v1 (Source: Rheinmetall)

HX vehicle family forms the technological foundation

For InterRoC VII, Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles is using vehicles from its proven HX family. These military logistics vehicles are equipped with Rheinmetall's modular PATH sensor kit and a drive by wire kit that is deeply integrated into the vehicle architecture.

The open system architecture allows the continuous integration of additional sensors, AI based software functions, and mission specific algorithms. This creates a scalable autonomy platform that can be flexibly adapted to future requirements and new operational scenarios.

Autonomous operation without satellite navigation

The systems developed within the research project build on Rheinmetall's many years of research and development in autonomous ground vehicles. The company already possesses technologies that enable automated driving functions both on roads and across off road terrain under real military operating conditions.

A key technological focus is the ability to operate safely in so called GNSS denied environments. Even if satellite based navigation is disrupted or unavailable, the vehicles can reliably perceive their surroundings, determine their position, and autonomously conduct complex convoy operations. This capability provides a decisive operational advantage, particularly in electronically contested operational environments.

Demonstration during ELROB 2026

The capabilities demonstrated during ELROB 2026 are being directly incorporated into the InterRoC VII research project. The event in Thun provided an opportunity to demonstrate autonomous convoy operations, sensor fusion, and decision making algorithms under realistic conditions while further developing these technologies together with international armed forces, research institutions, and industrial partners. The insights gained form an important foundation for the project's next stages of development.

Contributing to the digitalisation of military logistics

With InterRoC VII, Rheinmetall reinforces its position as one of the world's leading providers of autonomous military logistics systems. Automating logistics transport tasks increases the efficiency of military supply chains, improves operational endurance, and simultaneously reduces risks to deployed personnel. The research project therefore makes a significant contribution to the digitalisation of the battlefield and to the development of the next generation of connected military mobility solutions for the Bundeswehr.

Future cooperation with technology specialists

AI as the key to expanding capabilities:
As part of the work on object classification and environmental perception, Driveblocks GmbH is making a significant contribution as a specialised software and AI provider. Driveblocks develops modular autonomy and perception systems that combine sensor fusion from cameras and LiDAR data with AI based models. The objective is robust real time detection of complex three dimensional environments, including object classification, free space detection, terrain recognition, and safety critical decision support.

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The technology is specifically designed for demanding off road environments such as unstructured terrain, vegetation, dust, snow, and changing visibility conditions. It is already being deployed in applications across the defence, construction, and agricultural sectors.