Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles has taken over full responsibility for the InterRoC VII (Interoperable Robotic Convoy VII) research project on behalf of the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw). With this project, Rheinmetall is further expanding its leading role in the development of highly automated military logistics systems and setting another milestone on the path towards the digitalisation of military mobility.
Project responsibility was taken on shortly before Rheinmetall secured top ranking in the “Convoy Scenarios” category at the 2026 European Land Robot Trial (ELROB) at the Thun military training area in Switzerland. This international testing event is regarded as Europe’s most important demonstration platform for unmanned ground systems and autonomous robotics under realistic military operational conditions. There, Rheinmetall demonstrated the capabilities of its autonomous logistics solutions in challenging convoy and transport scenarios.
Further Development of Interoperable Convoys
InterRoC VII is the latest addition to the successful Interoperable Robotic Convoy research series. The project aims to further develop highly automated convoy control and to test interoperable vehicle formations in which different vehicle platforms operate safely and autonomously together. The focus is on efficient automation, perception and decision-making functions, as well as robust route planning for heterogeneous vehicle formations. These technologies must ensure reliable and safe convoy management even under demanding military operational conditions.
The HX Vehicle Family Serves as the Technological Basis
For InterRoC VII, Rheinmetall is based on vehicles from the proven HX family. These military logistics vehicles are equipped with Rheinmetall’s modular PATH sensor kit and a drive-by-wire kit, fully integrated into the vehicle architecture. The open system architecture enables the continuous integration of additional sensors, AI-based software functions, and mission-specific algorithms, creating a scalable autonomy platform adaptable to future requirements.
Autonomy Even Without Satellite Navigation
The systems developed build on Rheinmetall’s long-standing research in autonomous land vehicles. A key technological focus is on operating safely in GNSS-denied environments. Even if satellite-based navigation fails, the vehicles can reliably map their surroundings, determine their position, and conduct complex convoy operations autonomously, providing decisive operational benefit in electronically contested environments.
Contribution to the Digitalisation of Military Logistics
With InterRoC VII, Rheinmetall underlines its position as a leading global supplier of autonomous military logistics systems. Automating logistics tasks increases efficiency and sustainability while reducing risks to personnel. The research project significantly contributes to the digitalisation of the battlefield and the development of next-generation networked military mobility solutions for the Bundeswehr.
Future Cooperation with Technology Specialists
As a specialist software and AI provider in object classification and environmental awareness, Driveblocks GmbH plays a key role. The company develops modular autonomy and perception systems that combine sensor fusion of camera and LiDAR data with AI-based models. The technology is designed for challenging off-road conditions and is already being used in defence, construction, and agriculture applications.
