Daimler Truck partners with ARX Robotics for self-driving military trucks

Daimler Truck, manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz Trucks, has signed a letter of intent with German start-up ARX Robotics to integrate AI-based autonomous driving systems in its military trucks. These vehicles can be controlled remotely, drive autonomously in open terrain, and communicate with other software-defined vehicles like drones.

With Europe cranking up its defense spending to protect itself from possible attacks, new opportunities are being presented to companies within the sector.

Munich-based ARX Robotics is one of these companies. It is a defense tech start-up specializing in autonomous ground vehicle technology. It provides its Mithra OS system and robotics to transform existing military fleets and vehicles into software-defined systems with autonomous capabilities.

Converting Zetros and Unimog trucks to software-defined vehicles

This is precisely what makes ARX Robotics attractive to vehicle manufacturers like Daimler Truck, specifically its subdivision Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks, which builds military, firefighting, and disaster relief vehicles, among others.

The German truck manufacturer has signed a letter of intent with ARX Robotics to transform its Zetros model into a software-defined vehicle. This will allow it to communicate with other connected military vehicles for a multi-domain operation and be controlled remotely or autonomously (in open terrain). The trucks could carry out landmine clearance or evacuation procedures without risking crew members.

If the initial test with the Mercedes-Benz Zetros succeeds, ARX Robotics will also equip the Unimog models with digital systems. Both companies are also considering retrofitting existing vehicles with these digital capabilities.

‘A European approach’

“The future of land forces is software-defined, as this is the only way they can act closely networked when needed. Modern vehicles should, therefore, be able to incorporate the latest software and AI modules to be an efficient part of the NATO armed forces,” says Marc Wietfeld, co-founder and CEO of ARX Robotics.

“The solutions from ARX Robotics, implemented in the off-road vehicles from Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks, can ensure significantly greater efficiency in the defense vehicle sector. Our planned joint project follows a European approach and aims to strengthen the innovative power and competitiveness of the European defense industry.”