ARX Robotics and DEUTZ enter into strategic partnership

The Cologne-based drive specialist DEUTZ and the Munich-based defense tech company ARX Robotics are entering into a strategic partnership. The aim of the partnership is to combine DEUTZ's leading drive systems with ARX Robotics' unmanned, software-defined land vehicles.

Under the terms of the agreement, DEUTZ intends to participate as lead investor in ARX Robotics' current financing round, which is expected to close in the coming weeks. This will strengthen DEUTZ's position in the defense business and the growing ecosystem of unmanned defense systems (UGV).

Integration of DEUTZ drives in UGVs from ARX Robotics

The core of the cooperation is the integration of battery-electric, hybrid and small-volume combustion engines from DEUTZ into the autonomous ground vehicles from ARX Robotics. To this end, a joint interface is being developed between the Mithra OS AI platform from ARX and the drive systems from DEUTZ.

Unmanned and semi-autonomous defense systems will be a central component of future armed forces.

Dr. Sebastian Schulte, CEO of DEUTZ AG

This connection enables optimal coordination between software and drive - for maximum efficiency, reliability and flexibility in use.

Energy infrastructure and global production expertise

Through the DEUTZ Energy and DEUTZ NewTech divisions, the Group will also provide mobile energy infrastructure for use in the field, including power generators, battery storage systems and exchangeable batteries. In addition, ARX Robotics will have access to DEUTZ's global production and service network. This will enable rapid scaling and high security of supply, even for large quantities.

Marc Wietfeld, CEO and co-founder of ARX Robotics, emphasizes:"With DEUTZ, we are combining the intelligence of our Mithra OS platform with first-class drives and mobile energy. This allows us to bring unmanned systems to the troops faster, increase reliability and scalability and create the basis for European technological sovereignty."

DEUTZ's dense international service network is a decisive competitive advantage for military users, especially with regard to maintenance, spare parts availability and operational readiness in the field.

European technology cooperation in the defense sector

The partnership follows the recent collaboration between ARX Robotics and Helsing, which focuses on the development of an AI-based reconnaissance and strike network for European defense.

Both companies have experience in operational environments, including Ukraine, where networked technologies in the land domain are already critical for operational superiority.

With the acquisition of drone propulsion specialist SOBEK in September 2025, DEUTZ has further strengthened its position as a system provider for unmanned defense systems.