Acquisition brings air and ground autonomy together under a single multi-domain platform
Quantum Systems has announced the acquisition of FERNRIDE, marking a strategic move to expand from unmanned aerial systems into autonomous ground mobility. The deal supports Quantum Systems’ goal of becoming a multi-domain provider of intelligent unmanned systems across air, ground, and software.
Based in Europe, Quantum Systems is known for AI-powered unmanned aircraft and mission software. With this acquisition, the company adds an industry-tested ground autonomy platform to its portfolio, creating a more connected, cross-domain offering.
FERNRIDE develops autonomous driving software used in container terminals, yard operations, defense logistics, and other industrial settings. Its technology is already deployed with several established customers.
Expanding from Air to Ground Autonomy
The acquisition extends Quantum Systems’ capabilities beyond aerial intelligence. FERNRIDE’s platform enables autonomous trucks and vehicles designed for complex and regulated environments.
In 2025, FERNRIDE became the first company in Europe to receive TÜV approval for autonomous trucks. The company has also conducted early trials with the German Armed Forces and expanded its work in defense logistics.
Quantum Systems plans to integrate FERNRIDE’s technology into MOSAIC UXS, its autonomous mission software. The goal is to enable coordinated operations across air and ground systems.
“FERNRIDE has developed one of the most advanced and scalable autonomous ground platforms,” said Martin Karkour, Chief Revenue Officer of Quantum Systems. “By integrating their technology into MOSAIC UXS, we are consistently implementing our vision of creating a connected ecosystem in which unmanned systems think, move and act as a single entity across different dimensions.”
Focus on Multi-Domain Operations
Quantum Systems said its operational experience in Ukraine has shown the value of close coordination between air and ground robotics. Combining aerial and ground autonomy can improve situational awareness and support faster decision-making in complex environments.
By integrating FERNRIDE’s solutions, Quantum Systems aims to enable multi-domain operations that link unmanned aircraft with autonomous ground vehicles through a shared software layer.
The company stated that no financial details of the acquisition will be disclosed.
Accelerating Deployment in Defense and Civilian Sectors
FERNRIDE views the acquisition as a way to scale its technology more quickly, particularly in the defense sector.
“Europe urgently needs sovereign autonomy solutions. By joining forces with Quantum Systems, we can take our technology to a new level,” said Hendrik Kramer, CEO and co-founder of FERNRIDE. “Together with Quantum Systems, we are accelerating the deployment of our platform in the European defence sector, which is currently the most urgent environment globally for scaling autonomous ground systems. In the future, this experience will also be transferred back to civilian logistics applications, making our society safer and more resilient.”
FERNRIDE was founded in 2019 following a decade of research at the Technical University of Munich. The company has raised €75 million in venture capital to date.
Quantum Systems said the acquisition strengthens its position as a provider of integrated unmanned systems for military, government, and commercial customers, combining hardware, AI, and interoperable software into a single operational framework.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
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