Originally, the Munich drone builder Quantum Systems focused on topics such as search and rescue operations, smart farming, open-pit mining, and large construction sites. The startup is also testing the rapid transport of emergency medications. But since February 2022, an entirely different industry has taken interest in the Vector drones that take off and land vertically: the military. In fact, they have been in use in Ukraine since May 2022. According to the company’s own statements, Quantum Systems has provided 212 systems so far, with 500 planned by the end of the year. To support this, the startup recently opened its own drone factory in Ukraine. Additionally, the Munich-based company has been working with Airbus Defence and Space since summer of last year on developing AI components for the deployment of swarms of tactical drones.
Arx Robotics, on the other hand (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 robotic platform that can be flexibly equipped with different add-on and payload solutions. This allows the startup to customize its UGV for various security and defense-related scenarios. In the defense sector, Arx robots are intended to be used as intelligent, mobile targets for shooting exercises. But they can also detect and deceive enemy forces by functioning as decoys and alarm systems. Moreover, they can support civilian first responders in making better decisions and acting more effectively in life-threatening situations. Arx also plans to deploy AI-powered software to enable its robots to work autonomously in a swarm, so that they support each other. Arx robots are already in use in Ukraine as well.
Quantum Systems and Arx agree: the future is unmanned
The newly established partnership between the two Munich startups aims to combine their expertise and create synergies to offer the German Armed Forces and other allied military forces improved unmanned solutions tailored to the increasing autonomization of the battlefield. Additionally, the initiative includes joint targeted communication measures designed to facilitate knowledge transfer from experiences in Ukraine to the Armed Forces. Furthermore, the partnership is intended to demonstrate the advantages of unmanned systems through joint demonstrations.
Marc Wietfeld, CEO of Arx Robotics, says:
“We are partners that complement each other. One with its experience in the air and Arx with its modular systems on the ground. We share a belief in the need for unmanned systems in the armed forces, 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, yet also humbled by the task ahead of us. We agree that the future is unmanned, and we want to shape it together.”
