GEREON UGV is getting attention in the UK as defence companies explore a bigger role for military robots. So, what comes next?

Military robotics like GEREON UGV is recently getting a lot of attention for the way it can take on different jobs in the field. ARX Robotics and Babcock showcased new uncrewed ground vehicle capabilities at DVD 2026 in Millbrook, UK, highlighting how robots could support troops while reducing the need to send people into exposed areas.

GEREON is a tracked, modular unmanned ground vehicle developed by ARX Robotics. It can be controlled by an operator or run autonomously and is designed to carry different types of equipment. The company says it can carry up to 500 kg, travel at speeds of up to 15 km/h and operate for as long as 72 hours, depending on the configuration.

One robot, many possible jobs

The interesting part about GEREON is its flexible design. Instead of being built for just one task, the platform can carry different payloads depending on what troops need. It can support missions such as logistics, reconnaissance, electronic warfare and counter-drone operations. This gives military users the option to adapt the same robotic vehicle for different situations instead of relying on a separate machine for every job.

Why is Babcock investing in uncrewed vehicles?

Babcock is also looking at how these vehicles could be manufactured and supported in the UK. The company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Estonia-based Ark Robotics to explore UK production, systems integration and payload integration for uncrewed ground vehicles.

The agreement also covers training, logistics, infrastructure and ongoing support. Babcock is exploring Ark Robotics’ Frontier system, which provides autonomous navigation and can allow one operator to control multiple vehicles.

Louise Atkinson, Chief Executive of Babcock’s Land and Mission Systems sector said, “We can leverage our expertise in autonomy, manufacturing and systems integration to deliver next-generation uncrewed ground systems for the UK and international customers.”

Ark Robotics’ A1 vehicle is another part of the demonstration at DVD 2026. The company says the vehicle is already being used by Ukraine’s armed forces and can travel up to 20 km per charge, reach speeds of 40 km/h and carry a 15 kg payload.

Meanwhile, Babcock is demonstrating the A1 with an automated smoke-generation system, showing how robots can be adapted for practical frontline support tasks.

As Business Fortune observes, the future of robotics does not just involve creating more robots. It involves creating the manufacturing, software support and infrastructure that is required to make the robots work in large numbers.

FAQs

What is the GEREON UGV?

GEREON is a tracked unmanned ground vehicle from ARX Robotics that can carry different equipment and operate either manually or autonomously.

What can GEREON be used for?

It can support roles including logistics, reconnaissance, electronic warfare and counter-drone missions.

What is Babcock doing with Ark Robotics?

The companies are exploring UK manufacturing, systems integration, payload integration and long-term support for uncrewed ground vehicles.

What is the Frontier system?

Frontier is Ark Robotics’ system for autonomous navigation and controlling multiple vehicles through a single operator.