The Munich DefenseTech startup Arx Robotics and Cologne-based drive specialist Deutz have signed a strategic partnership. Both companies aim to work more closely together in the future on the development and production of unmanned, software-defined defense systems. As part of this cooperation, Deutz is participating as lead investor in Arx Robotics’ current funding round. The completion of the round is expected in the coming weeks.
Technology partnership for Europe’s defense capabilities
The focus of the collaboration is the integration of Deutz drive systems into Arx Robotics’ unmanned ground vehicles. In addition to battery-electric drives, smaller combustion engine and hybrid solutions will also be used in the future. For this purpose, both partners are developing an interface that connects Arx Robotics’ AI-based Mithra OS software platform with Deutz systems.
Sebastian Schulte, CEO of Deutz, comments:
“Unmanned and semi-autonomous defense systems are becoming increasingly important and will be a central component of future armed forces. To achieve this, we are combining Arx Robotics’ leading software and robotics expertise with our strengths in drives, decentralized energy supply, and industrial production. It is these partnerships made in Germany that we need to sustainably strengthen Europe’s defense capabilities.”
In addition to its drive technologies, Deutz is bringing mobile energy infrastructures from its Energy and NewTech business units to the cooperation. These include power generators, storage solutions, and swappable batteries. Arx Robotics also gains access to Deutz’s global production and service network. This enables large orders to be executed more quickly and systems to be reliably maintained in the field.
Scaling and sovereignty in focus
Marc Wietfeld, co-founder and CEO of Arx Robotics, describes the cooperation as a strategic milestone:
“With Deutz, we are combining the intelligence of our Mithra OS platform and vehicle systems with outstanding drives, mobile energy, and industrial production. This allows us to get unmanned systems to troops faster, increase availability and reliability in operations, and create the foundation for scaling across Europe. Our mission remains unchanged: protect soldiers, relieve logistics, and build capabilities across the region.”
The partnership follows Arx Robotics’ recent collaboration with drone manufacturer Helsing. Together, both partners are developing an AI-based reconnaissance and engagement network for European defense. The foundation is proven systems and expertise from Ukraine, where networked technologies are already playing an important role in land-based operations.
For Deutz, the cooperation with Arx Robotics is another step in the strategic expansion of its defense business. In September, the company acquired drone drive specialist Sobek, strengthening its position in the growing ecosystem of unmanned defense systems. Through partnerships like this, Deutz wants to demonstrate how the combination of industrial experience and young technology expertise can create new solutions for Europe. The new alliance underscores the importance of startups for the defense industry.
