Ground Robotics companies in Europe
European ground robotics has moved from proving grounds to active conflict zones, with Estonia's Milrem Robotics deploying its THeMIS UGV in Ukraine where battlefield feedback is now directly shaping platform development. ARX Robotics in Germany is scaling modular robotic systems for NATO armies, and several smaller teams across France, the UK and the Nordics are building autonomy stacks, logistics vehicles and breaching tools. Procurement cycles are compressing as armies that once treated unmanned ground vehicles as experimental now treat them as programme-of-record requirements.
Where these companies are based
Deep-tech company building sensors, space systems, robotics, and quantum technology for defence and aerospace applications.



Builds remote-controlled platforms for humanitarian demining and explosive ordnance disposal, deployed across conflict zones from Ukraine to Iraq and Colombia.
Develops unmanned ground vehicles including the Ratel S kamikaze UGV (24 km/h, 40 kg payload, 5 km range) used for bridge demolition, tank engagement, and logistics. Scaled production fivefold in 2024, supplying hundreds of platforms to Ukrainian Defence Forces through the Brave1 cluster.
Builds programmable cyborg insect swarms — living organisms fitted with AI sensor backpacks and neural interfaces — for close-range reconnaissance in denied terrain, collapsed structures and urban environments where conventional robotics cannot operate.
Designs and manufactures armoured tactical vehicles, special-purpose transport and electronic warfare systems for defence, emergency response and civil security markets.
Rollo Robotics builds 1ROLLO, an autonomous one-wheeled security robot platform for outdoor patrol, situational awareness and fleet-managed security operations.




Aidoptation develops high-speed autonomous AI systems for physical autonomy on land, in the air and underwater, with robotics R&D and simulation-to-reality validation.




Builds modular autonomous ground vehicles and fleet-digitisation software for Western armed forces, with systems combat-proven in Ukraine and contracted by the British Army.

Estonian defence robotics company building unmanned ground vehicles for NATO and allied forces. Maker of the THeMIS multi-role UGV and Type-X robotic combat vehicle, deployed by militaries in over 19 countries.



Builds Mastermind, an edge-native agentic AI box that turns cheap third-party drones into coordinated autonomous squads operating in denied environments. Raised $2.1M pre-seed in 2026 led by Seraphim Space with backing from the UK National Security Strategic Investment Fund.
Supplies motion control systems, electric actuators, slewing gearboxes and drive technology for military platforms including turret systems and land vehicles. Active in European Defence Fund projects across ground combat and force protection sectors.
Builds ATEX-certified ground robots for autonomous inspection, gas detection and manipulation in explosive atmospheres across oil and gas, chemical, power and emergency response sectors.




Bergen-based manufacturer of electric ROV systems ranging from inspection-class units to heavy work-class vehicles rated to 7,000 metres, with over-the-horizon control via Starlink and Kongsberg Maritime Broadband Radio. Has delivered ROV systems to defence customers for more than 25 years.
Develops and manufactures autonomous, electric ground vehicles (UGV) for agriculture, park, defence applications and R&D. Their modular vehicle concept has potential as a cost-effective dual-use solution for defence applications.
Builds hoistable mast systems, submarine components and torpedo-tube-launched unmanned surface vessels for naval forces worldwide.
Designs, manufactures and rents autonomous underwater drones for high-resolution seabed inspection, serving both offshore industry and naval forces.
Builds autonomous navigation systems and uncrewed surface vessels for maritime surveying, oceanographic research and defence operations.


Builds space robotics systems including manipulators, grippers and mechanical ground support equipment for satellite servicing, active debris removal and orbital missions.
Official Polish partner of SPEE3D, distributing and servicing metal 3D printers for defence applications including rapid field repair and spare parts manufacturing.
Adaptronics is a DeepTech startup developing energy-efficient electro-adhesion systems with dual-use robotics applications. Their proprietary Electro Active Adhesive Layer (EAAL) technology enables versatile electrostatic gripping with integrated tactile sensing, applicable to defense and commercial automation.
Vitoria-based cybersecurity company that started with robot pen-testing and now builds CAI, an agentic AI platform for offensive and defensive security operations. Selected for NATO's DIANA innovation programme.
Polish manufacturer of airdrop-capable military vehicles and optionally-manned platforms for the Polish Armed Forces. Co-developed the TAERO unmanned ground vehicle for airborne troops, which won a State Security Leader 2023 award. Produces the AERO line of airmobile 4x4 vehicles from its Siedlce facility.
Defence technology company designing and manufacturing military-grade unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) capable of performing various combat support functions. UGVs tested with Estonian Defence Forces and deployed in Ukraine for battlefield medical evacuation.
Manufactures Lithuania's first domestically produced armoured vehicles. The Taurus line meets NATO STANAG 4569 ballistic and blast protection standards with 80 per cent local content. Production capacity reaches 120 vehicles per year from the Panevezys plant.
Manufactures military training simulators for tanks, armoured vehicles, naval systems and artillery. Supplies Leopard 2A4/2A5 tank simulators for the Polish Armed Forces and partners with Krauss-Maffei Wegmann.
AI-powered explosive ordnance recognition and disposal. SAFETREK app is the first AI software to detect, classify and geolocate mines and IEDs. Partners with ARX Robotics and WARGdrones on Project Vulture for rapid minefield breaching.
Builds a hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft that doubles as an all-terrain ground vehicle. The patented design seats one passenger and transitions between flight and road driving.
Builds autonomous and unmanned surface vessels for maritime infrastructure monitoring and defence. Selected for NATO DIANA as the only Polish company focused on marine security, with hybrid-electric vessels capable of two-week autonomous missions.
Latvian defence equipment manufacturer producing tactical plate carriers, ballistic gear, and unmanned ground vehicles for NATO military and law enforcement.
Manufacturer of UDS military multi-purpose telescopic excavators since 1967, deployed across NATO countries and UN peacekeeping missions. Partners with Rheinmetall on the HX 8x8 excavator system and produces Patria AMV XP armoured vehicles for the Slovak Armed Forces.
Designs and manufactures specialist military vehicles including the GRF (VECTOR) light tactical vehicle and Mammoth multirole combat platform. Supplies the Royal Netherlands Army and German Bundeswehr from its production facility in Tiel.
Designs and manufactures heavy-duty unmanned ground vehicles for mine clearance, EOD, CBRN response and counter-terrorism, with 500+ platforms delivered to armed forces and humanitarian organisations in 40+ countries.




Danish-Ukrainian dual-use company developing AI-powered UXO and landmine detection drones and ground robots, including the Blue Eyes real-time detection module and the Seer dual-platform autonomous demining system. Raised €2.4M in 2025 and based at the Odense robotics incubator.
Builds snake-like all-terrain autonomous underwater vehicles whose flexible body operates close to seabeds, slopes, ice and harbour structures where conventional AUVs cannot reach. The S-Series platform delivers high-resolution sonar and 3D photogrammetry for change and threat detection on critical subsea infrastructure.
Remote weapon stations, robotic EOD systems, and precision defence mechanisms. Major Spanish Ministry of Defence supplier.



Electric mobility startup for the defence sector, building the Theron electric motor for unmanned ground vehicles, rotorcraft and military platforms with a European supply chain. Formerly known as Donut Defence and part of the DEFINE Accelerator Spring 2025 cohort in Riihimäki.
Builds the Greyshark family of autonomous underwater vehicles for long-range ISR and subsea infrastructure protection. The hydrogen-powered Foxtrot variant can operate for 16 weeks covering 11,000 nautical miles. Partnered with Rheinmetall for coastal defence integration.



Designs and manufactures autonomous uncrewed surface vessels for naval defence including the Q-RECON series and underwater vehicles. Combines AI-powered Q-MIND autonomy software with maritime hardware for coastal surveillance and special forces operations.
Pisa-based robotics spin-off from Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna developing force-controllable manipulator arms for harsh environments using patented Fluid Wire transmission technology. Member of NATO DIANA 2025 cohort and EIC Accelerator grant recipient for €2.5M.
Hungarian manufacturer of CBRN defence equipment and light-armoured vehicles with the widest defence portfolio in Hungary. Products include radiation detection instrumentation, CBRN reconnaissance systems, chemical protective suits, decontamination systems and the KOMONDOR Light Armoured Vehicle family.
Produces armoured and special vehicles for military, police and government organisations for over 25 years. Works with certified armour material suppliers including SSAB ARMOX and manufactures from a plant in Wroclaw.
Manufactures the Mosphera military electric scooter for special forces, border patrol and reconnaissance. Silent electric drive avoids drone detection. Delivered approximately 1,000 units to Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Estonian military heavy equipment engineering company. Converts CV90 armoured vehicles into eight combat variants and adapts K9 self-propelled howitzers for the Estonian Defence Forces. Operates the country's first privately owned military weapons repair and production facility. Hanwha Aerospace maintenance partner.
Manufactures military hydraulic systems, mobile antenna masts, levelling supports and power units for tanks, armoured vehicles and naval vessels. Holds AQAP 2110 NATO quality certification and a special production concession from the Polish Ministry of Interior.
Production, servicing, maintenance, repair, and modernization of military and specialized vehicles. Manufactures mechanical components, assembly units, and complete vehicle prototypes for the Slovak defence sector.
Prague-based builder of autonomous defence systems including the MTS one-way attack fixed-wing UAS, the HORNET autonomous UGV and MEMS inertial navigation units for GNSS-denied environments. Part of the LPP Holding with a drone manufacturing site in Pardubice.
Builds military unmanned ground vehicles including the GNOM ground loitering munition with anti-tank and thermobaric warheads, and the GOBLIN armed reconnaissance UGV carrying a 7.62mm minigun. Delivered GNOM to the Polish Armed Forces and tested with the 18th Mechanized Division during Iron Gate 25 exercises.
Supplies military electronics, optoelectronics, armoured vehicle overhaul and modernisation services, air defence systems, radars, surveillance systems and training simulators for the Polish Armed Forces.
Estonian manufacturer of tracked unmanned ground vehicles for demining. Builds an 800 kg gasoline-powered UGV with a patented flail-and-plow system for breaching anti-personnel minefields. NATO DIANA pre-accelerator participant.
Provides lifecycle management, maintenance, repair and overhaul of armoured and combat vehicles including CV9035 infantry fighting vehicles and Patria XA-180 APCs for the Estonian and Latvian Defence Forces. ISO 9001 and AQAP 2110 certified.
Develops military electric vehicles and specialized defence mobility solutions. Creates advanced electric vehicle platforms designed for military and defence applications.
Designs, builds and operates manned and unmanned submersibles for military and commercial markets, including extra-large autonomous test submarines awarded a £1 million DASA contract for the Royal Navy. Operates from Plymouth with a sister facility in Round Rock, Texas.
NTNU spin-off building intuitive interfaces for controlling robots and drones, including the Astronaut Smart Glove that lets ESA test crews command UAVs and ground robots through hand gestures. Focused on XR and wearable sensor approaches for operating unmanned systems in space, energy, and defence.
Manufacturer of six-degrees-of-freedom inspection-class ROVs built in Sweden. The V8 M500 platform is integrated into a UXO disposal system in service with the UK Royal Navy for mine investigation and neutralisation, and also supplies the Finnish and Korean navies.
Spin-off from the Underwater Systems and Technology Laboratory at Porto University building the LAUV (Light Autonomous Underwater Vehicle) for maritime surveillance and mine countermeasures. Supplies the Portuguese Navy and has participated in European Defence Agency unmanned maritime systems projects.
Latvian mobility technology startup developing the world's first electric track off-roader called UNITRACK, designed for extreme terrain navigation.
Develops the Krampus Mk1 hybrid electric all-terrain military buggy for special forces and border security. Dual 60kW electric motors deliver 200km electric range at 120 km/h with 500kg payload. Partnered with Provectus Robotics for autonomous driving capability.
AI and robotics company developing human-like artificial intelligence solutions for defence, space and security sectors, including AVIS AI platform and STRIDER autonomous robots.
Polish defence equipment supplier and UGV developer, licensed for military trade since 2014. Co-developed the hydrogen-powered Hermione unmanned ground vehicle with French firm H2X-Defense, unveiled at MSPO 2025 and currently being tested by the French Army for its first AI-directed combat unit.
Supplies specialist military equipment and accessories to the Polish Armed Forces, NATO agencies and special forces units. Licensed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs for defence trade, with distribution agreements including Korean manufacturer LS Mtron.
Develops custom task-specific drones and unmanned systems with electric and hybrid propulsion, including unmanned boats and ground vehicles. Builds multi-platform ISR and strike packages.
Develops EOD robots and remote disruptor platforms for military and security customers. Products include the Riddler robot, R-Evolve, and deployable surveillance systems, exported to the UK, Switzerland, and the USA since 2006.
Develops and manufactures modular robot automation solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises, offering flexible hardware kits and no-code software platforms.



Builds the Lynx unmanned ground vehicle and Saber remote weapon station for frontline logistics, casualty evacuation, and remote combat. Deployed by multiple Ukrainian brigades including the 47th Mechanized and 5th Assault Brigade.
NTNU spin-off from the Department of Engineering Cybernetics building the SentiNAV family of GNSS-denied navigation systems for ships, drones and vehicles. Core technology is SentiBoard, a custom board providing nano- to microsecond sensor time synchronization across IMU, LiDAR, cameras and radar.
Builds ground robots for firefighting, explosive ordnance disposal and defence logistics, deployed across civil security services and armed forces in 15+ countries.
Develops software and hardware solutions for autonomous robotic systems operating in marine environments, specializing in mission-critical applications that require high degrees of self-dependence and robustness.
Manufactures drive axles, gearboxes and suspension systems for military vehicles including the Jelcz 442.32 4x4 truck and Rosomak APC. Family company with roots dating to 1912, supplying drivetrain components to Polish and Ukrainian armed forces.
Provides metal and polymer 3D printing services for the defence sector using PBF-LB and MJF technologies. Produces heat exchangers, turbine components and custom military hardware.
Develops remotely operated and autonomous underwater robots for hull inspection, mine countermeasures and subsea infrastructure monitoring. Raised €8.4 million in 2025 from BGK-backed Vinci fund to scale dual-use underwater systems.
Polish autonomous military vehicle developer with over eight years of experience in unmanned ground systems. Builds the BLUSZCZ crewless mine-laying vehicle and TAERO patrol platform.
Autonomous marine drones for maritime surveillance and defence. Morpheus and Neo platforms carry 180kg payloads, operate at sea state 4 with thermal and sonar sensors, and coordinate as swarms.
Autonomous underwater drones for subsea surveillance and hull inspection using proprietary Relative Object Navigation technology. Generates 10,000+ data points per square metre for port security and critical infrastructure monitoring without manual intervention.
Designs and manufactures mini-ROVs, USVs and underwater camera systems for marine inspection and defence. Twice awarded Best Defence SME by the French Ministry of Defence, with hull inspection and harbour security systems deployed across multiple countries.
Deep-tech company developing novel additive manufacturing technologies including direct ink writing and patented liquid FDM. Acquired 3D printer manufacturer ZMorph and supplied 20 printers to produce military equipment for Ukraine's armed forces.
Polish manufacturer of special vehicles, aluminium boats and landing craft for the Polish Armed Forces and special operations units. Produces the Wirus 4 SOF tactical vehicle.
Telearmy develops remote teledriving technology that enables vehicles to be driven remotely over long distances via satellite or radio. The system is war-proven in Ukraine and can retrofit any ground vehicle for unmanned operations in logistics, reconnaissance, or evacuation in high-risk zones.
Ukrainian developer of unmanned ground robotic platforms including the Gnom family of combat UGVs with fiber-optic control for EW resistance. Produces armed fire support, mine-laying, demining, and FPV drone carrier ground robots deployed by Ukrainian forces.
Metal MOLLE panels and weapon mounting systems for military and police vehicles. Lightweight modular racks for securing firearms and tactical equipment, used by the Austrian Jagdkommando special operations force.
UK-registered defence platform unifying combat-proven Ukrainian unmanned systems, including MAGURA USVs, Nemesis strike drones and Fury ground robots. Raised $50M seed at a $1B valuation, with Ben Wallace on the board.
Builds inductive contactless slip rings that transfer power and data magnetically across air gaps for robotics, defence platforms and underwater drones, eliminating the wear and debris of traditional brush-based slip rings. Selected for NATO DIANA's 2026 cohort to adapt its underwater wireless charging technology for NATO defence needs.
Dual-use sensor and robotics company building vehicle identification systems, autonomous sensing platforms and custom control systems for defence and medical applications. Based at Lithuania's Kaunas technology hub.
Non-lethal vehicle arrest systems for military and law enforcement. Products include the X-Net spiked net (stops vehicles up to 10 tonnes at 80 km/h, weighs 22 kg) and remote-controlled Shark Spike strip effective to 130 km/h.
Manufacturer of the VR FOX 4x4 ultra-lightweight tactical vehicle for special forces and reconnaissance. Founded by motorsport engineers, the platform carries a 1-tonne payload at 160 km/h. Signed contract with Latvia's National Armed Forces for 30+ vehicles.
First Ukrainian company to mass-produce strike drones entirely from domestic components, with 4,000 units monthly capacity. Product line includes FPV strike drones, fixed-wing ISR platforms, fiber-optic guided systems, and the Dzhankoi ground robot, deployed by 200+ Ukrainian Defence Force units.
Manufacturer of the Božena remote-controlled demining system deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Ukraine. Also produces armoured Police Protection Units for crowd control and riot scenarios.
Defence vehicle R&D centre developing the Gerlach 4x4 armoured tactical vehicle with STANAG 4569 Level 3 protection and Rheinmetall armour integration. Also owns IP for the DV-2 turbofan engine and provides engineering consultancy for military mobile platforms.