Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles GmbH has assumed 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). The project further strengthens Rheinmetall’s role in developing highly automated military logistics systems and advancing the digitalisation of military mobility.
The company assumed responsibility shortly before securing first place in the ‘Convoy Scenarios’ category at the 2026 European Land Robot Trial (ELROB) in Switzerland. Regarded as Europe’s leading demonstration platform for unmanned ground systems, the event enabled Rheinmetall to showcase its autonomous logistics capabilities under realistic military operating conditions.
Building on this momentum, InterRoC VII advances Rheinmetall’s ongoing research into highly automated convoy operations. The programme will test interoperable vehicle formations in which different platforms operate safely and autonomously while enhancing convoy automation, perception, decision-making and route planning for complex military environments.
The programme is based on Rheinmetall’s proven HX vehicle family, equipped with the company’s modular PATH sensor kit and an integrated drive-by-wire system. Its open architecture supports the integration of additional sensors, AI-based software and mission-specific algorithms, creating a scalable autonomy platform for future operational requirements.
A key capability of the programme is autonomous operation in GNSS-denied environments, enabling vehicles to navigate, determine their position and conduct convoy missions even when satellite navigation is unavailable. This provides a significant operational advantage in electronically contested environments.
These capabilities were demonstrated during ELROB 2026 and will now be further integrated into the InterRoC VII programme. The lessons learned will support the continued development of autonomous convoy management, sensor fusion and decision-making technologies in collaboration with international armed forces, research organisations and industry partners.
By advancing these technologies, Rheinmetall continues to strengthen its position in autonomous military logistics, improving the efficiency and resilience of military transport while reducing risks to personnel. The project also supports the digitalisation of battlefield logistics and the development of next-generation networked mobility solutions for the Bundeswehr.
As a specialist software and AI provider in the field of 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 aim is to achieve robust, real-time mapping of complex 3D environments, including object classification, open space and terrain recognition, and safety-critical decision support. This technology is specifically designed for challenging off-road conditions, such as unstructured terrain, vegetation, dust, snow, and changing visibility, and is already being used in applications across the defence, construction, and agriculture sectors.
