Daimler Truck and ARX Robotics are planning a strategic partnership. The aim is to jointly drive forward the next generation of digital development in the field of military vehicles.
The companies want to integrate robotics and AI technologies from ARX Robotics into vehicle platforms from Daimler Truck in the future and thus “achieve greater connectivity, operational capability and efficiency of the vehicles”, as stated in an official press release from the two companies.
In particular, the military vehicle variants of the Unimog and Zetros model series, which the Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks organizational unit in Wörth am Rhein develops, produces and sells, are to be enabled for a broader range of tasks through sensor and software modules and the use of artificial intelligence.
Generalleutnant Hofbauer: „Sky Shield ist keine Raketenabwehr“
In addition to networking, the focus will be on “operation through teleoperation and autonomous driving in open terrain”, according to the two companies.
The digital improvements will be based on the Mithra OS operating system from ARX Robotics. The two companies want to work closely together to continuously develop the technology based on experience.
Daniel Zittel, Head of Defence Sales, Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks: “We are currently investing and growing in the defence sector in order to meet customer needs even better and offer specialized solutions for military tasks. We are looking forward to working with ARX Robotics, one of the leading start-ups for autonomous ground systems. Digitalization and AI will play a key role in the defence sector, especially in cyber defence, defence logistics and international cooperation.”
Marc Wietfeld, co-founder and CEO of ARX Robotics: “The future of land forces is software-defined, as this is the only way they can act in a closely networked manner when required. Modern vehicles should therefore be able to incorporate the latest software and AI modules in order to remain an efficient part of the NATO-forces. The solutions from ARX Robotics, in conjunction with the off-road vehicles from Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks, can ensure significantly greater efficiency in the defense vehicle sector. Our planned joint project follows a European approach and aims to strengthen the innovative power and competitiveness of the European defense industry.”
Integration of the Mithra OS operating system in Zetros and Unimog
The vehicle fleets are to be given the ability to network with other software-defined systems, such as compatible vehicles or drones, through equipment upgrades and the integration of the Mithra OS operating system. This simplifies a “coordinated approach by the various units”. According to the two partners, this is particularly important “in so-called multi-domain operations, i.e. missions in which operations are carried out simultaneously on the ground and in the air”.
The technological centerpiece is the ARX Core, the central computing and networking unit that is to be installed in the vehicles and supports the integration of various sensors, cameras and wireless systems. This enables object recognition and fast data acquisition and transmission in conjunction with artificial intelligence. This should enable the vehicles, for example, to autonomously find the best route in the terrain to a defined location, carry out remote-controlled mine clearance or evacuate injured people from risk areas without putting crew members in danger.
In a first step, joint Mercedes-Benz Zetros prototypes will be equipped with the digital systems from ARX Robotics. After the technical implementation in the complete vehicle, the partners want to test different application scenarios and enable other vehicle types, such as the Unimog, for comprehensive networking, teleoperation and autonomous driving in open terrain.
Retrofitting of existing fleets also possible
In order to make the best possible contribution to the renewal of the NATO vehicle fleet, ARX Robotics and Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks are pursuing the approach of equipping existing and new vehicles with digital capabilities or retrofitting them. The two-pronged approach enables faster implementation of the modernization and better use of existing resources.
Click here for more news about ARX Robotics.
