Rheinmetall Displays Unmanned Systems at Xponential Europe: DÜSSELDORF, GERMANY – Technology giant Rheinmetall is making a bold statement at the inaugural Xponential Europe trade fair in Düsseldorf, staking its claim as a leader in the burgeoning field of unmanned systems and robotics. As the largest exhibitor at the event, running from February 18th to 20th, 2025, the Dax-listed company and its subsidiaries, MIRA GmbH and Yardstick Robotics, are presenting a comprehensive portfolio of cutting-edge technologies under the banner: ‘Leadership in unmanned digital ecosystem and robotics’.
The Xponential Europe trade fair, a first of its kind in Düsseldorf, is dedicated to showcasing the latest advancements in robotics and unmanned systems. Rheinmetall’s significant presence underscores the company’s serious ambitions in this rapidly evolving sector, presenting a diverse range of solutions aimed at both military, law enforcement, and civilian applications.
Rheinmetall’s showcase is headlined by its impressive array of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), demonstrating advancements in both vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) and fixed-wing designs. Among the highlights is the LUNA NG VTOL, a tactical fixed-wing UAS that combines the endurance and range of a fixed-wing aircraft with the flexibility of vertical lift-off and landing, eliminating the need for runways. The LUNA NG VTOL is presented as a versatile platform equipped for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, and crucially, with the capability to integrate effectors – hinting at its potential for both observation and engagement roles.
READ: Indian Army Unveils Xploder, MRMS Mine Warfare Systems at Aero India 2025
Complementing the LUNA NG VTOL are two further drone developments focused on close-range reconnaissance: the Fixed Wing Vehicle FV-002 and the Rotary Wing Vehicle RV-002. The FV-002, a fixed-wing drone, emphasizes efficient and discreet surveillance, while the RV-002, a rotary-wing counterpart, offers maneuverability for more complex operational environments. Rheinmetall is also displaying the Fixed Wing Vehicle FV-015, a target drone designed for training and system validation, highlighting a commitment to developing and testing the full spectrum of unmanned aerial capabilities.
Beyond aerial systems, Rheinmetall is showcasing terrestrial robotics with the walking robot Robotics L. While details remain concise, the inclusion of a walking robot underscores the company’s exploration of advanced locomotion and robotics for ground-based operations, potentially in challenging terrains and scenarios.
READ: SAMTEL and HENSOLDT Join Forces to Produce Advanced Avionics in India
Rheinmetall at XPONENTIAL Europe.
READ: Saab and HAL Partner to Produce Laser Warning Systems in India
Teleoperation Takes Center Stage with MIRA GmbH
A significant element of Rheinmetall’s unmanned ecosystem is being presented by its wholly-owned subsidiary, MIRA GmbH. MIRA is focusing on revolutionizing mobility through teleoperation – the remote control of vehicles from a distant location. This technology promises to fundamentally decouple the driver from the vehicle itself, enabling operation from a control panel located virtually anywhere in the world.
MIRA emphasizes the transformative potential of teleoperation, particularly for automated mobility. However, realizing the full potential of teleoperated vehicles on public roads necessitates robust and secure IT infrastructure. This is where the ‘POQUASIA – Post-quantum secure generic IoT application’ project comes into play. Spearheaded by the Rheinmetall Technology Center with the support of MIRA GmbH, POQUASIA is developing a scalable, real-time capable, and generic Internet of Things (IoT) platform within a cloud environment.
Funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection and aligning with the European IPCEI-CIS initiative for a multi-provider cloud-edge continuum, the POQUASIA project aims to showcase the vast potential of cloud-based applications through the lens of teleoperation. Crucially, the project is deeply invested in future-proofing digital infrastructure by exploring and implementing post-quantum cryptography. This cutting-edge security measure is designed to protect against cyber threats posed by the advent of quantum computing, ensuring data security and operational integrity in the long term.
Visitors to Xponential Europe are being offered a unique opportunity by MIRA GmbH and the POQUASIA project: a ride in one of their teleoperated shuttle vehicles on public roads surrounding the trade fair. This real-world demonstration aims to showcase the tangible progress and near-term viability of teleoperation technology, inviting attendees to experience firsthand the future of remote vehicle control. MIRA GmbH is also providing detailed information about the broader applications of its teleoperation technology, highlighting its potential across logistics and passenger transport, suggesting a future where remotely operated vehicles become commonplace in various sectors.
READ: Bundeswehr Modernizes Infantry with €3 Billion Rheinmetall Soldier System Contract
Rheinmetall displays unmanned systems at XPONENTIAL Europe.
Yardstick Robotics: Robots for the Toughest Jobs
Rheinmetall’s unmanned ecosystem is further broadened by its subsidiary Yardstick Robotics, a specialist in AI-enabled robotic solutions designed for “extreme, unstructured and unpredictable environments.” Yardstick Robotics is championing the development of collaborative robots, or “cobots,” for tasks deemed “dull, dirty & dangerous” – activities often unsuitable or unsafe for human workers.
Headlining Yardstick’s offerings is the ‘YARO Cobot’, an outdoor collaborative robot specifically engineered for reliable operation in harsh and unpredictable outdoor environments. This robust cobot suggests applications ranging from construction sites and agriculture to disaster response scenarios.
Expanding beyond terrestrial applications, Yardstick Robotics is also showcasing an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) study. This autonomous underwater platform is being developed for precise inspection and monitoring tasks in both marine and inland waters, signaling a move towards robotic solutions for underwater infrastructure maintenance, environmental monitoring, and potentially even resource exploration. Further highlighting their diverse portfolio, Yardstick is presenting the MagnetCrawler, an intelligent system designed for inspecting and monitoring metallic surfaces in industrial settings, offering a safer and more efficient alternative to manual inspection in potentially hazardous environments.
READ: Navantia UK Invests in Harland & Wolff, Bolstering UK Shipbuilding and Clean Energy
Yardstick Robotics’ motto, “Robots for the World’s Toughest Jobs,” neatly encapsulates their mission to deliver safe automation to industries that have traditionally lacked access to advanced robotic solutions. Their focus extends from the depths of the ocean to, in their words, “extraterrestrial missions in the future,” painting a vision of robots tackling the most challenging tasks across diverse and demanding environments.
Rheinmetall’s strong presence at Xponential Europe underscores the growing importance of unmanned systems and robotics across defense, security, and civilian sectors. From sophisticated aerial drones to robust terrestrial and underwater robots, the technologies on display signal a future where autonomous and remotely operated systems play an increasingly critical role in a wide range of industries, with Rheinmetall positioning itself at the forefront of this transformative shift. Xponential Europe is open to industry professionals and the public daily from February 18th to 20th, 2025, offering a glimpse into this rapidly evolving technological landscape.
READ: Israel’s Steadicopter, India’s Lotus Team Up to Manufacture Drones in India
