Daimler Truck and defence tech company Arx Robotics have signed a letter of intent for a strategic partnership. Together they aim to integrate AI and robotics technologies into military vehicle platforms. In particular, an upgrade with sensor and software modules is planned for the Unimog and Zetros models of Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks. This is intended to increase the digital networking and operational capability of the vehicles.
Marc Wietfeld, co-founder and CEO of Arx Robotics, emphasises:
“The future of land forces is software-defined, because this is the only way they can act closely networked when needed. Modern vehicles should therefore be able to incorporate current software and AI modules in order to continue to be an efficient part of NATO forces. ARX Robotics’ solutions, in combination with Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks’ off-road vehicles, can provide significantly greater efficiency in the defence vehicle sector. Our planned joint project pursues a European approach and aims to strengthen the innovation power and competitiveness of the European defence industry.”
Arx Robotics provides software and hardware
The technological foundation for the planned innovations is the operating system Mithra OS from Arx Robotics. It enables networking with other software-defined systems, including compatible vehicles or drones. The Arx Core is the central computing and networking unit to be installed in the vehicles. It supports the integration of sensors, cameras and radio systems to enable rapid data collection and processing with AI support.
Daniel Zittel, Head of Sales Defence at Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks, explains:
“We are currently investing and growing in the defence sector to better meet customer needs and offer specialised solutions for military tasks. We look forward to working with Arx Robotics, one of the leading startups for autonomous ground systems. Digitalisation and AI will play a key role in the defence sector, particularly in cyber defence, defence logistics and international cooperation.”
Pilot project with Zetros vehicles
A first step in the cooperation is equipping Mercedes-Benz Zetros vehicles with Arx‘s digital systems. After technical implementation, the companies will test various deployment scenarios. In the long term, teleoperations and autonomy functions are also planned as standard equipment for the Unimog.
Another goal of the partnership is the retrofit of existing vehicle fleets to help modernise NATO vehicles. This means that both new and already deployed vehicles can be made more efficient and versatile through digital systems.
