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Defence

Modular automation and unmanned systems for European defence technology — the ODIN platform family and containerized production.

Context

Modular automation for the Defence industry

European defence technology is undergoing the biggest transformation in decades. Autonomous systems, distributed production, short supply chains and the ability to scale quickly have become strategic requirements — no longer optional.

NEXOS.Defence brings two offerings together here: modular automation cells for the manufacture of defence-relevant components (containerized, relocatable, deployable in weeks instead of months), and the ODIN platform family — military unmanned ground systems in several size classes from ODIN.75 to ODIN.2400.

The advantage of the modular kit approach is decisive in this environment: repeatability under procurement rules, documentable configurations and the ability to build production capacity where it is needed.

Challenges

What makes this industry challenging to automate

Long procurement cycles

A procurement process often takes 5-10 years. During this time technology becomes obsolete — documented but openly maintained baselines are the way out.

Configuration control under procurement law

Every technical change must be documented, reviewed and approved. Standardized building blocks drastically reduce the number of changes per project.

Distributed manufacturing

Defence-capable production must not be concentrated at a single site. Containerized, relocatable manufacturing modules become strategically relevant.

Typical applications

What NEXOS automates in the Defence industry

Relevant products

Components that make these applications possible

Why NEXOS for Defence

Three reasons for modularity in this industry

Decentrally deployable

Modular cells and containerized systems can be set up at strategically favourable locations and made productive within weeks — instead of waiting years for a central mega-factory.

Repeatable and documentable

Standardized building blocks meet the high requirements for configuration control, traceability and repeatability. Change control becomes plannable instead of a procurement risk.

Shared basis with the civilian line

ODIN shares its chassis base and software ecosystem with the civilian PALLAS family. Faster iteration, shared spare parts pool, continuous technological development — with clean market separation.

How we work

From inquiry to running system in four steps

1

Analysis

Free initial discussion (30–60 min). We clarify the parts spectrum, cycle times, environmental conditions and integration into your existing IT/OT.

2

Concept

Component selection, layout, schedule, cost framework. On request with virtual commissioning in NEXOS.XR before manufacturing starts.

3

Quotation

Fixed-price or milestone contract, with clearly documented scope of delivery, acceptance criteria and maintenance options.

4

Implementation

Prefabrication in the workshop, on-site assembly, programming, acceptance per documented FAT/SAT. Optional: remote service via NEXOS.DSP.

Standards & Certifications

Relevant standards for the Defence industry

These regulations are considered in our conception, implementation and documentation. Not every standard applies to every project — the specific selection is clarified in the project kick-off meeting.

AQAP 2110Allied Quality Assurance Publication — NATO quality management standard for defence goods.
NATO STANAGsStandardization Agreements — e.g. STANAG 4586 (interoperability of unmanned systems) or STANAG 4569 (ballistic protection).
EU Dual-Use Regulation 2021/821Control of trade in dual-use goods — export authorization required, implemented in Germany by BAFA.
BAFA export authorizationFederal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control — processes approval procedures for military and dual-use goods.
VS-NfD / VS-VertraulichHandling of classified information — structural and organizational requirements on the operator.
MIL-STD-810US test standard for environmental influences (temperature, vibration, shock, humidity) — frequently required internationally.
Frequently asked

FAQ on automation in the Defence industry

Are ODIN and PALLAS technically identical?
The chassis and drive technology share a common basis — this enables joint further development, spare parts economics and faster iteration. ODIN however ships with military-specific components, hardening requirements and procurement documentation; the brands are deliberately kept separate.
How do you handle BAFA / EU dual-use requirements?
For ODIN deliveries we accompany the export authorization — categorization, end-use declarations, technical documentation for BAFA. PALLAS is classified as civilian; in borderline cases (government customers with a military connection) we clarify in advance.
Can we build up production at our own site?
Yes — that is exactly what the containerized production concept is designed for. A module is prefabricated at our facility, delivered, connected on site and commissioned. Time frame for a production container: 8-16 weeks from order to production.
How deep is the European value creation share?
Chassis, control, drives (Maxon) and software are manufactured or developed in Europe. For electronic components a 100% European chain is not always achievable — critical assemblies are however deliberately sourced from European or allied sources. Detailed analysis per project.

Discuss your application?

Talk to us about your specific automation task in Defence.

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