Quantum Systems, a leading European developer of AI-powered unmanned systems, has announced the acquisition of FERNRIDE, a specialist in autonomous ground mobility. The transaction marks a strategic expansion beyond aerial robotics and software intelligence into ground-based autonomy, positioning Quantum Systems as a fully multi-domain provider. The combined platform will serve both defence and civilian logistics use cases, aiming to improve operational coordination, efficiency, and safety across complex environments.
A Strategic Move Towards Multi-Domain Operations
The acquisition is driven by operational learnings from real-world deployments, particularly in Ukraine, where coordination between aerial and ground systems has proven critical. These experiences highlighted the limitations of siloed unmanned platforms and reinforced the need for integrated, cross-domain autonomy. Quantum Systems is now translating these insights into a unified operational architecture.
At the core of this strategy is the integration of FERNRIDE’s autonomy stack into Quantum Systems’ MOSAIC UXS mission software. This integration enables air and ground assets to operate under a shared command layer, enhancing situational awareness and enabling faster, more informed decision-making. The resulting system is designed to support coordinated missions where unmanned platforms can sense, communicate, and act as a single operational network.
FERNRIDE’s Proven Expertise in Ground Autonomy
FERNRIDE contributes a mature, industry-proven software platform for autonomous ground operations. Its technology is already deployed in container terminals, yard operations, and defence logistics environments, demonstrating reliability in demanding industrial and security-critical settings. This existing customer base allows Quantum Systems to immediately extend its capabilities beyond aerial domains.
In 2025, FERNRIDE became the first company in Europe to obtain TÜV approval for autonomous trucks, a significant regulatory milestone for the sector. The company has also conducted initial operational tests with the German Armed Forces, validating its platform in military logistics scenarios. These achievements position FERNRIDE as one of Europe’s most advanced and trusted providers of autonomous ground mobility.
Strengthening European Defence and Technological Sovereignty
The acquisition aligns with growing European demand for sovereign autonomy and defence technologies. By combining aerial intelligence with ground-based autonomous logistics, Quantum Systems and FERNRIDE aim to offer a fully European alternative to foreign unmanned systems providers. This capability is increasingly viewed as critical amid heightened geopolitical and security concerns.
Beyond defence, the combined platform follows a dual-use strategy. Technologies proven in military environments are expected to transfer directly into civilian logistics applications, including ports, container terminals, and large-scale industrial sites. Autonomous trucks and coordinated aerial systems can reduce human risk, increase throughput, and improve resilience across supply chains.
The acquisition of FERNRIDE represents a major milestone in the consolidation of Europe’s autonomy and robotics sector. By uniting leading capabilities in aerial and ground robotics under a single mission software framework, Quantum Systems is building a scalable, multi-domain platform tailored to both defence and commercial needs. While financial terms were not disclosed, the transaction signals a clear ambition to shape the future of sovereign, interconnected unmanned systems in Europe.