RUAG Holdings AG (Base Ten)
Swiss aerospace and defence group; Base Ten subsidiary develops military UGVs and defence robotics systems.
RUAG Holding AG is a Swiss international technology group specializing in aerospace and defence with approximately 7,700 employees worldwide. In 2011, RUAG acquired Base Ten Systems Electronics GmbH (Base 10), a German robotics firm located at Hallbergmoos near Munich. Base Ten's core competencies span military electronics, unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) robotics, test and inspection systems.
The RUAG Base Ten unit developed the Gecko UGV — a remotely controlled ground vehicle operable via satellite at up to 500 km range — and the ARTOR unmanned ground vehicle for the German armed forces. In January 2020, RUAG Holding restructured into two subsidiaries: MRO Switzerland (serving the Swiss armed forces) and RUAG International (civil aerostructures and space).
Primary type & automation activities this supplier delivers:
Contact RUAG Holdings AG (Base Ten)
WEBSITE
https://www.ruag.comPHONE
+41 58 460 21 11HEADQUARTERS
Switzerland
Company Facts
Founded
1998
Primary Role
Manufacturer
Company Size
employees 5000-10000
Primary Region
Europe
Annual Sales
-
Funding Stage
-
Funding Total
-
Keywords
International Team Develops Robots Learning to Navigate Terrain from Stick Insects
An international team from Tohoku University and VISTEC is studying stick insects to enhance robot navigation in challenging terrains. The research focuses on the insect's six legs, which allow for agile movement across various surfaces, surpassing current multi-legged robots in coordination. By employing adversarial inverse reinforcement learning, the team enabled a six-legged robot to autonomously learn to navigate diverse terrains within an hour by observing stick insect locomotion. This research is significant as it proposes a shift from traditional biomimetic approaches that require specific programming for each robot and terrain. Instead, the team aims to extract fundamental movement control principles, allowing robots to adapt to changing environments without extensive reprogramming. This adaptability is crucial for disaster scenarios where uneven surfaces and obstacles are prevalent, particularly in earthquake-prone Japan, where the demand for effective rescue robots is high. Looking ahead, the team plans to validate the learning system's robustness in realistic rubble environments and explore the potential for robots to compensate for lost limbs through continuous learning. The implications of this research could redefine how robots navigate complex terrains, making them more effective in emergency situations.
Robotics Disaster Response Machine Learning Bio-inspired Robotics
DEEP Robotics' Lynx Robot Operates in Extreme 55°C Desert Conditions
DEEP Robotics has released a video showcasing its Lynx wheeled-legged robot navigating extreme desert terrains, including soft sand and steep slopes. The robot's design combines wheeled movement for efficiency on flat surfaces with adjustable jointed legs for overcoming obstacles, making it suitable for narrow spaces like vineyards. The Lynx series operates in temperatures ranging from -30°C to 55°C and features an IP66 rating for dust and water resistance. For instance, the Lynx M20 weighs 33 kg, has a payload capacity of 15 kg, and can operate for 2.5 hours under load. It is equipped with dual 96-line LiDAR and dual-frequency cameras for real-time obstacle detection, significantly reducing manual labor in high-temperature environments. The robot has already been deployed in commercial vineyards in Xinjiang, reducing manual transport workload by over 70%. Additionally, it has been utilized for industrial inspections and public safety tasks, demonstrating its versatility in various applications. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Robotics Industrial Automation Extreme Environment Technology Agricultural Robotics
Batten & Kamp Unveils 'Beauty Seeker': An AI Robot as a Mobile Flower Vase
At the 2026 IFA in Berlin, Batten & Kamp introduced 'Beauty Seeker,' a unique creation combining an AI six-legged robot with an orchid, transforming it into a mobile vase. This design intentionally diverges from mainstream technology narratives by stripping the robot of its built-in camera and multiple functionalities, focusing instead on a fundamental question: what does it mean for a high-tech robot to coexist with us as a simple container in a home environment? The robot retains a single core function: using LiDAR to track nearby people and slowly adjust its position to draw attention to the orchid it carries. This design creates a sense of absurdity, as the advanced robot serves not to perform tasks but to act as a moving base for a flower. Interestingly, this limitation reduces the typical threat perception associated with such robots, as it merely holds a flower, creating a peculiar tension between its potential power and its chosen role as a vase. This is not Batten & Kamp's first exploration of such contradictions; their 2023 project 'Comfort Seeker' featured an iconic Eames chair on a four-legged robot, examining the intersection of furniture and autonomous systems. 'Beauty Seeker' continues their inquiry into the relationship between technology and nature, as the orchid, evolved to attract pollinators, now competes for human attention through an AI-driven robot. The designers aim to shift the focus from what robots can do to what they should do, suggesting that the rarest behavior may be simply to hold a flower and quietly revolve around us.
AI Robots Design Innovation Human-Robot Interaction Domestic Technology
DEEP Robotics Showcases Lynx M20 Robot's Off-Road Capabilities in Harsh Desert Conditions
DEEP Robotics has unveiled footage of its Lynx M20 wheel-legged robot navigating extreme desert terrain, demonstrating its advanced off-road mobility. The robot effectively traverses loose sand, steep slopes, and uneven ground, showcasing its ability to operate in hazardous environments where traditional wheeled machines struggle. This demonstration is significant as it highlights the Lynx series' potential for industrial applications, particularly in areas that pose safety risks for human workers. The hybrid mobility system, combining wheels and articulated legs, allows the Lynx to adapt to various terrains, making it suitable for tasks such as inspections, emergency response, and scientific exploration in challenging conditions. Looking ahead, DEEP Robotics aims to further develop the Lynx M20 series for diverse environments, having already tested it in extreme cold and icy conditions. The company emphasizes the robot's resilience in high temperatures and its ability to maintain mobility in dusty environments, positioning it as a versatile solution for industries requiring robust robotic systems in hazardous settings. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
AI and Robotics
RobotToday Weekly Briefing August 31 – September 4, 2026
This week in robotics: NVIDIA agrees to buy Hugging Face for $12.93 billion, Figure signs a $3.5 billion compute deal with Nscale for up to 100,000 GPUs, Tesla launches steering-wheel-free Cybercabs in Austin under NHTSA scrutiny, and Uber and Wayve bring the UK its first autonomous rides. August 31 – September 4, 2026.
Robot.com Expands Partnership with Sodexo for Sidewalk Delivery Robots Deployment
Robot.com has announced a seven-year commercial agreement with Sodexo Group to enhance the deployment of its sidewalk delivery robot, R-Kiwi, which has completed 2.4 million tasks. This partnership builds on their collaboration that began in 2021 and focuses on select Sodexo-operated college campuses in North America. The significance of this agreement lies in addressing labor shortages faced by Sodexo, which employs around 400,000 individuals globally. Felipe Chavez Cortes, CEO of Robot.com, emphasized that the long-standing relationship between the two companies facilitated this substantial contract, marking Robot.com’s largest single enterprise deployment. Looking ahead, Robot.com aims to leverage its Remi implementation platform to improve the economic viability of its robots. This platform combines classical robotics with advanced software and advertising technology, allowing for increased revenue streams beyond just delivery services. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) Food / Beverage Humanoids Logistics Markets / Industries Mobility / Navigation
China Unveils Xiaoyuan, the First Wheeled and Legged Robot Guide Dog for the Visually Impaired
The Zhiyuan Research Institute in China has introduced Xiaoyuan, the world's first wheeled and legged robot guide dog designed for visually impaired individuals. Launched at the China Care and Rehabilitation Expo in Beijing, this innovative robot features a combination of wheels for smooth movement on flat surfaces and four legs for navigating stairs, enhancing independence for its users. This development is significant as it highlights the growing integration of AI and robotics into civilian applications, particularly in aiding those with disabilities. The robot's quiet operation is crucial for users who depend on auditory cues, and its ability to detect overhead obstacles offers advantages over traditional mobility aids like canes. Xiaoyuan boasts impressive technical specifications, including centimetre-level outdoor positioning accuracy and high obstacle-avoidance success rates. The robot is also connected to various support services, enabling users to access remote assistance when necessary. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
NexCOBOT Addresses Challenges and Growth in the Physical AI Market
NexCOBOT, showcased at the Robotics Summit & Expo, is navigating the evolving landscape of physical AI. The company, which specializes in motion and safety controllers, has noted a surge in interest from developers of legged robots and mobile manipulators. This trend is underscored by significant acquisitions in the sector, such as Mobileye's $900 million purchase of Mentee Robotics. The implications of these acquisitions are profound for industrial adoption, as highlighted by Jenny Shern, NexCOBOT's general manager. She emphasized that smaller robotics firms possess specialized expertise, while larger tech companies bring the necessary resources to scale innovations. This dynamic is shaping the future of intelligent systems, making acquisitions a strategic move for major players in the tech industry. Looking ahead, NexCOBOT remains focused on scaling its functional safety robotic controllers and fulfilling a robust backlog of global orders. While funding for physical AI has seen fluctuations, the company maintains a stable financial position, indicating resilience amid changing investment landscapes. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Artificial Intelligence / Cognition Controllers Healthcare Robotics Human Robot Interaction / Haptics Humanoids Investments
Galileo Unveils Galileo X: A Unified Ground Mobility Platform for Diverse Environments
Chinese robotics company Galileo has introduced Galileo X, a groundbreaking ground mobility platform that integrates wheeled, off-road, and legged robot capabilities. Unveiled at the 2026 World Robot Conference in Beijing, this innovative system aims to provide a versatile solution for various operational environments by bridging the gaps between different robotic architectures. The significance of Galileo X lies in its ability to combine the precise transport capabilities of wheeled automated guided vehicles (AGVs) with the long-range mobility of off-road vehicles and the adaptability of legged robots. This unified approach allows for a single platform to handle diverse tasks, reducing the complexity and need for multiple specialized machines in challenging terrains. Looking ahead, the potential applications of Galileo X are vast, ranging from heavy-duty off-road handling to warehouse logistics and mobile inspection tasks. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication, but the platform's development reflects Galileo's commitment to embodied intelligence and in-house technological advancements in robotics.
AI and Robotics
Quadrupedal Robot Learns Agile Jumping Through Narrow Openings Using AI
Researchers at the University of Hong Kong and the Oxford Robotics Institute have developed a learning-based system that enables four-legged robots to navigate through narrow gaps autonomously. This innovative approach allows quadrupedal robots to perform agile movements, inspired by the natural jumping abilities of dogs, without relying on pre-programmed sequences. The technology, demonstrated on the 48-pound Unitree Aliengo robot, utilizes a hierarchical reinforcement learning framework called ConsJump. This system allows the robot to assess obstacles and dynamically decide when to jump, enhancing its ability to traverse confined spaces quickly and efficiently. The robot's onboard Intel D435i RGB-D camera plays a crucial role in identifying obstacles and adjusting its movements accordingly. Future developments may focus on refining the robot's adaptability to various environments and conditions. The researchers believe that the same architecture could be applied to other complex robotic tasks, potentially leading to advancements in robotic agility and autonomy in challenging terrains. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
AI and Robotics
Direct Drive Proposes Wheel-Legged Robots to Overcome Physical Access Challenges in Embodied AI
Chinese startup Direct Drive claims that the primary challenge for embodied robots is not the intelligence of their systems but rather their ability to physically access various environments. By integrating direct-drive actuators with innovative wheel-legged designs, these robots are engineered to navigate obstacles such as curbs, slopes, and mixed indoor-outdoor spaces. This approach is significant as it addresses a critical limitation in the deployment of embodied AI technologies. The ability to traverse diverse terrains enhances the functionality and applicability of robots in real-world scenarios, potentially expanding their use in sectors such as logistics, healthcare, and home assistance. Looking ahead, the focus will be on the practical implementation of these wheel-legged robots in various environments. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
WRC 2026 Core Components: 137 Robot Parts Suppliers
The third report in the WRC 2026 series. Report 1 mapped all 248 exhibitors by category and Report 2 covered the 139 that build finished robots. This one covers the 137 that build what goes inside them.
WRC 2026 Robot Systems: 149 Companies That Build Robots
149 of the 248 classified WRC 2026 exhibitors build finished robots. 93 build humanoid or legged machines. The audited humanoid sales number is one unit.
WRC 2026 Exhibitor Map: 248 Robotics Companies Mapped
We classified 248 WRC 2026 exhibitors with the RobotToday taxonomy. Motion & Actuation leads at 75 companies, Humanoid at 72, and compute stays thin at 12. (Modified 2026-08-27)
ROBOTTODAY WEEKLY August 17 – 21, 2026
This week in robotics: Unitree surges 629% in its Shanghai STAR Market debut at a $66 billion valuation, Nevada approves 7,000 robotaxis, Amazon Prime Air expands to nearly 500 US cities, and Beijing's World Robot Conference marks the industry's pivot from spectacle to scale. August 17–21, 2026.
Underactuated Robotics Russ Tedrake — RSF Specialist Shelf · Book S3 of 6
Legged robots fall over for control reasons, not mechanical ones. Tedrake's free MIT 6.832 notes explain why, and what a controller must do about it.
Handbook of Marine Craft Hydrodynamics and Motion Control Thor I. Fossen — RSF Specialist Shelf · Book S1 of 6
Added mass, wave loading, DVL navigation: the marine GNC reference for USV, ROV and AUV service engineers. The hardest book on the RSF list, 5/5.
Springer Handbook of Robotics B. Siciliano & O. Khatib (eds.) — RSF Top 10 Robot Education Textbooks · No. 10
Eighty-plus chapters, 2,300 pages, nobody reads it cover to cover. It ranks for one reason: when a fault crosses domains, this is the reference of record.
Modern Robotics K. M. Lynch & F. C. Park — RSF Top 10 Robot Education Textbooks · No. 8
The book the field agreed to make free: full preprint PDF, video lectures and open code from the authors. Screw theory and kinematics, taught rigorously.
Autonomous Mobile Robots Siegwart, Nourbakhsh & Scaramuzza — RSF Top 10 Robot Education Textbooks · No. 3
AMR and AGV fleets are the biggest robot service market. Siegwart decodes the vendor manual: odometry, localization, cost maps.
