Rheinmetall has acquired Canadian manufacturer Provectus Robotics Solutions, thereby expanding its expertise in autonomous driving technologies – which will benefit both the defence and the automotive sectors of the Düsseldorf-based group – the company announced on 26 July. Rheinmetall Canada took over a 100% stake in the Ottawa-based company with effect from 1 June, though Provectus will continue to operate under Managing Director, Paul Rocco.

In recent months, Rheinmetall has been generating significant interest in its MISSION MASTER unmanned multi-mission vehicle, which is based on Provectus technology and modified for military use by Rheinmetall Canada. Everything points to unmanned ground vehicles (UGV) playing an increasingly important role in future military operations on land, much in the same way as unmanned aerial systems (UAS) are doing in an airborne context. Some will serve in unarmed logistic or reconnaissance roles, while others will function as mobile weapon platforms.

“We have already been working closely with Provectus in our unmanned ground vehicle project. This vertical integration gives us a decisive advantage in the field of autonomous mobility technology," commented Rheinmetall Canada President and CEO, Stéphane Oehrli. “Since this capacity is also a key enabler for the Automotive division, the whole Rheinmetall Group will hence benefit from Provectus’ expertise. The automation of other Rheinmetall mobile platforms is actually an innovation we are already thinking of.”

“Rheinmetall Canada is the ideal platform for accelerating our growth while simultaneously strengthening our presence in Canada, as well as internationally. This is a unique opportunity for the Provectus team to significantly improve our market potential in the world of autonomous driving and to take advantage of new opportunities,” added Rocco.