Originally, the Munich drone manufacturer Quantum Systems focuses on topics such as search and rescue operations, smart farming, open-pit mining, and large-scale construction sites. The startup is also testing the rapid transport of emergency medications. But since February 2022, a completely different industry has shown interest in the vertically take-off and landing Vector drones: the military. In fact, they have already been in use in Ukraine since May 2022. Quantum Systems says it has provided 212 systems to date, and plans to increase this to 500 by the end of the year. For this purpose, the startup recently opened its own drone factory in UkraineIn addition, the Munich-based company has been working since last summer with Airbus Defence and Space in the development of AI building blocks for the use of swarms of tactical drones.
Arx Robotics (formerly: Arx Landsysteme) builds and operates autonomous single-to-multi-use robots for various applications, so-called UGVs (Unmanned Ground Vehicles). They are based on a universal robot platform that can be flexibly equipped with various add-on and payload solutions. This allows the startup to customize its UGV for various security and defense-related scenarios. In the defense sector, the Arx robots are intended to be used, for example, as intelligent, moving targets for firing exercises. They can also detect and deceive enemy forces by acting as decoys and alarm devices. Furthermore, they can also support civilian first responders in making better decisions and acting more effectively in life-threatening situations. Arx also plans to use AI-supported software to allow the robots to work autonomously in a swarm, supporting each other. Arx robots are already in use in Ukraine.
Quantum Systems and Arx agree: The future is unmanned
The newly formed partnership between the two Munich-based startups aims to pool their expertise and create synergies to offer the German Bundeswehr and other allied armed forces improved unmanned solutions tailored to the increasing autonomy of the battlefield. The initiative also includes joint, targeted communication measures designed to facilitate the transfer of knowledge from experiences in Ukraine to the Bundeswehr. Furthermore, the partnership aims to highlight the advantages of unmanned systems through joint demonstrations.
Marc Wietfeld, CEO of Arx Robotics, says:
"We are partners who complement each other. One with its experience in the air, and Arx with its modular systems on the ground. We are united by our belief in the need for unmanned systems in the armed forces, also as a sign of a true turning point."
Florian Seibel, CEO of Quantum Systems, adds:
"The fact that two young, dual-use companies with cutting-edge technology are reshaping the European defense market and ushering in a new era makes us proud, but also humbled by the task ahead. We share the view that the future is unmanned, and we want to shape it together."
