Strategic cooperation between RENK and ARX Robotics sets path for industrializing and internationalizing of UGVs at high scale
RENK Group AG and ARX Robotics announced on July 9 a strategic partnership aimed at shaping the future of autonomous defense mobility such as unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs). Within the new strategic partnership, ARX Robotics will support RENK’s digital transformation as Software-Defined defense partner, while RENK will power the industrial growth and international expansion of ARX Robotics.
“This partnership unites RENK’s expertise in high-performance mobility systems with the innovative robotics and software capabilities of ARX Robotics. Together, we aim to scale production, expand international reach, and advance autonomous functionalities,” said Dr. Alexander Sagel, CEO of RENK Group. “Europe must take responsibility for its defense capabilities, and a critical component of that is for industry leaders such as ourselves to join forces with pioneering startups. Together with ARX, we are paving the way for a new era of intelligent, autonomous solutions that will redefine the future of defense.”
“Today, defense companies are approaching a turning point where software, automation, and system interconnectivity will redefine what military capability means. With our partnership with RENK, we are unlocking new opportunities for scale and global reach with RENK’s industrial strength and established market presence,” said Marc Wietfeld, Co-Founder and CEO of ARX Robotics. “Our combined expertise will enable us to offer mission-ready, fully autonomous platforms that support military forces across the world.”
Dr. Alexander Sagel, CEO of RENK Group AG, and Marc Wietfeld, CEO of ARX-Robotics GmbH, signed a memorandum of understanding regarding a strategic partnership between the two companies.
A partnership built on complementary strengths
Both companies joined forces to deliver advanced autonomous systems that enhance operational efficiency and provide real-time situational awareness for defense forces at industrial scale.The collaboration unites RENK’s leading global market position and sector-leading production expertise with ARX Robotics’ cutting-edge software Mithra OS. This AI-powered operating system enables the digital modernization of existing fleets – transforming legacy vehicles into intelligent, connected, and autonomous systems.
Internationalizing and scaling software-defined defense solutions
As part of the collaboration, ARX Robotics and RENK will strategically explore and expand into new and emerging markets for autonomous solutions, with a particular focus on key regions where demand for advanced defense technologies is increasing. Thereby the collaboration will profit from RENK’s established global industrial footprint in key Western defense markets, strong customer relationships with more than 70 armies and 40 navies, and deep system expertise in mobility-related performance requirements for land and maritime platforms. This established market presence and access to key customers, political authorities, and local production expertise will ensure rapid deployment and scalability. Target markets include the USA, UK, France, Italy, India, and the Middle East – where modernization efforts and demand for autonomous capabilities are accelerating.
Industrializing supply for the defencetech demands of tomorrow
The partnership between RENK and ARX Robotics reflects a shared belief that defense is becoming software-defined on the back of battle-proven systems. Together the two partners will develop the digital backbone for land systems, in order to ensure European Defense secures its independence. The collaboration goes beyond a single product, it’s about defining the future of unmanned mobility and sets the course for how AI, autonomy, and mobility will shape the future of European defense. The collaboration fosters autonomous defense systems that are ready for real-world deployment.
Both companies are committed to local production and supply chains adapting their solutions to the specific needs of each region, providing scalable, high-performance platforms that can be rapidly deployed. This includes exploring applications for larger autonomous vehicle classes such as Mithra OS for future naval applications, ensuring that the partnership remains at the forefront of autonomous technology development. RENK Group and ARX Robotics are also exploring further approaches to deepen their partnership by e.g. joint ventures and /or financial investments.
Catering to NATO’s strategic priorities
This partnership aligns with NATO’s vision for technological innovation and industrial resilience. By combining RENK’s deep production expertise and the advanced software capabilities of ARX Robotics, the collaboration ensures the development of reliable, scalable technologies that enhance deterrence and safeguard the Alliance’s citizens.
