Munich-based ARX Robotics, a defence tech startup rising in scalable robotic systems for defence and commercial sectors, is making waves once again. Known for securing Europe’s largest defence tech seed round to address NATO’s robotics gap, the company has now unveiled a groundbreaking innovation: the first-ever independent AI-based operating system.
This system has the power to revolutionise military operations by transforming existing vehicle fleets into intelligent, interconnected, and autonomous units, dramatically enhancing their capabilities and operational efficiency. This innovation marks a significant leap in the European defence tech sector, enabling forces to retrofit legacy systems with advanced digital capabilities for enhanced battlefield performance.
Brainchild of soldiers turned entrepreneurs
ARX Robotics was founded in 2022 in Germany by Marc Wietfeld, a former German infantry officer with 14 years of military experience; Stefan Roebel, a former army officer who has held senior management positions at companies like Grover, Asos, and Amazon; and Maximilian Wied.
Disrupts defence tech
The company aims to harness the power of advanced robotics to overcome challenges in European defence. It aims to create innovative plug-and-play solutions that enhance safety, increase effectiveness, and help increase the combat readiness of soldiers on the ground. By constructing a cost-effective system with interchangeable sensors, payloads, and functionalities, it becomes highly responsive to varying mission-critical needs without requiring complete re-engineering.
The company’s flagship product line, the GEREON platform, includes modular autonomous ground vehicles for defense, commercial, and humanitarian applications. These platforms are capable of tasks such as surveillance, logistics support, medical evacuation, and more.
Revolutionises legacy systems
ARX Mithra OS is the first-of-its-kind solution, offering armed forces the ability to transform existing vehicle fleets into intelligent, autonomous systems. It brings next-level connectivity and operational flexibility by implementing AI, software, and networking capabilities into legacy systems, turning outdated equipment into vital assets for modern warfare. Its easy integration into a variety of vehicle types and support for over-the-air updates ensures scalability and adaptability, making it a future-ready tool for evolving military needs.
A new era of battlefield operations
The ARX Mithra OS supports various operational modes, including manned-unmanned teaming and autonomous fleet collaboration. This interconnected approach enhances operational flexibility, allowing vehicles to function as wingmen to human operators or as part of unmanned networks. By enabling precise, unmanned operations, Mithra OS reduces risks to human personnel while multiplying operational efficiency.
Addressing global defence challenges
Amid increasing global security tensions, ARX Robotics’ solution responds to the urgent need for modernised military systems within under-resourced NATO arsenals. Recent conflicts have underscored the importance of unmanned and interconnected systems in achieving operational dominance. ARX Mithra OS positions itself as a key enabler of defence resilience, aligning with Europe’s goals for technological sovereignty and rapid modernisation.
Its features, such as the Legacy Autonomy Kit to transform vehicles into wingmen, the Interconnectivity & Swarming Pilot for connected fleet intelligence, and the Situational Awareness Suite for enhanced reconnaissance equip armed forces with versatile tools for rapid modernisation.
A vision for the future
With its flexible design and rapid deployment capabilities, ARX Mithra OS allows armed forces to modernise without overhauling entire fleets. By bridging the gap between legacy hardware and cutting-edge technology, ARX Robotics delivers a solution that enhances situational awareness, connectivity, and autonomous capabilities. Mithra OS represents a transformative step in defence innovation, paving the way for safer, smarter, and more efficient military operations.
“The battlefield of the future is digital and will increasingly rely on unmanned systems. Yet, European armies continue to procure analog systems and vehicles as they have for decades—systems that will remain in service for many years to come. While technology and warfare have evolved, our fleets have not. To lead our armed forces into this new era, adaptability and modernisation are the only viable paths forward, as replacing entire fleets is both impossible and unaffordable”, said Marc Wietfeld, founder and CEO of Arx Robotics. “We have achieved this with our software-enabled hardware and our Mithra operating system, designed for both unmanned systems and existing military fleets, bridging the gap between the old world and the new, future-ready one.”
“The increased willingness for military spendings after the Russian invasion is wearing off, states are setting different priorities or simply are running out of budget. Therefore, it will be key to not only invest in new technologies but to update existing material and adapt it to modern warfare. This is the only way to ensure robust defense capabilities for our armed forces”, said Lieutenant General (Ret.) Frank Leidenberger, CEO of BWI, the federal government-owned IT service provider and digitalisation partner of the German Armed Forces.
