Helsing is reaching for Europe's robotics future with Area 9 and RX-1.

Helsing, the leading European Pursue Area 9, a research unit at the interface of AI and autonomous systems, is presenting its defense technology division, and RX-1 – a robotics research platform for Europe. The platform aims to provide European laboratories with a sovereign alternative to non-European robotics hardware.

Area 9 is headed by Antoine Bordes, Chief Scientist of Helsing. The unit is intended to Translating basic research into operational capabilities more quickly. An early example was Centaur, Helsing's AI agent for air combat, which, according to the company, controlled a Saab Gripen E and is now the basis for the autonomous fighter jet CA-1 Europa.

ETH Zurich and INRIA Paris launch with RX-1

The first partners in the project are Marco Hutter's robotics group at ETH Zurich and INRIA Paris. Both institutions will use RX-1 for research at the interface of AI, robotics, and autonomous systems.

Hutter describes the RX-1 as an advanced European hardware platform for outdoor robotics. Bordes emphasizes its European development and manufacturing, as well as its performance under harsh environmental conditions.

For Helsing, RX-1 represents a further step from being an AI software provider to a more broadly positioned defense technology company. The Munich-based company announced a €600 million Series D funding round in June 2025: The capital is intended to strengthen European technological sovereignty.

Former Rheinmetall manager Frank Dirksen will become Chief Commercial Officer

In addition to Area 9 and RX-1, Helsing also announced... Personnel newsFrank Dirksen has been the new Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at Helsing since June 2026. Dirksen joins Helsing from Rheinmetall, where he headed the CEO's office and served as CEO and Country Lead of Rheinmetall South Africa. He also has 15 years of experience in the German Armed Forces and as a management consultant.

With this appointment, Helsing underscores its commitment to advancing the commercialization and international scaling of its defense technologies. Following several major contracts and recent funding, the company is in a phase of strong growth and is strategically expanding its management structure to support this expansion.

Co-CEO and Co-founder Gundbert Scherf says:

“Frank combines international expertise in the defense industry with the ability to build sustainable relationships with governments, armed forces, suppliers and industry partners. With his experience in scaling, he will make a valuable contribution to Helsing’s continued growth trajectory.”

Frank Dirksen itself points to the increasing importance of AI for military capabilities:

“Artificial intelligence is fundamentally changing military capabilities. Helsing is uniquely positioned to lead this transformation, and I look forward to becoming part of the team driving it forward.”