ARX Robotics has unveiled Hector, a new mid-range wheeled unmanned ground vehicle. It is designed to offer higher speed, greater range and software-first autonomy for European land forces, according to a recent press release from the company.
Hector is software-defined from the outset and is based on the proven operating system Mithra OS. ARX Robotics is thus expanding its portfolio with a new capability in the land sector. The platform supports optional manned operation and provides units with “additional flexibility and extended mission profiles”, as stated in the press release. It continues: “European land forces have lacked a mass-produced mid-range UGV that can keep pace with moving forces while providing safe, monitorable autonomy and seamless integration into existing command and control structures.” According to ARX, Hector was developed to fill this gap.
By combining optional manning and a software-first, modular design, Hector can be deployed as an autonomous unmanned system, increasing the speed of missions and enhancing tactical flexibility on the battlefield.
Technical overview
Hector will be available in two versions. The combustion version maximizes range and endurance for long-duration operations and simplifies fuel supply. The all-electric version offers low acoustic and thermal signatures and enables simplified charging directly in the field.
Both versions have open interfaces for payloads, encrypted communication systems and an onboard computer module from ARX Robotics with Mithra OS, which ensures autonomous operational capability. Hector is designed as a human-in-the-loop system and supports optional manned operation and supervised autonomy.
More than a vehicle – a capability
Hector delivers a capability that closes Europe’s mass and speed gap. The system is a networked, autonomous ground system designed for industrial production and large-scale deployment.
The software-defined architecture and modular payloads ensure interoperability and are tailored to European requirements. This means that the platform remains adaptable across different application scenarios, compliant with relevant regulations and easy to integrate into existing structures.
“European land forces need unmanned systems with greater speed and range that can be seamlessly integrated into existing command structures. That’s exactly what this new platform does. It extends the reach of our fleet while staying true to our mission of increasing survivability on the front lines,” said Marc Wietfeld, CEO of ARX Robotics.
“With a software-first architecture based on Mithra OS, we can roll out, update and scale capabilities across a mixed fleet. This UGV brings the speed and reach that our users have been asking for, without compromising on integration or security,” said Stefan Röbel, COO of ARX Robotics.
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