German company Quantum Systems presented the Mandrill ground-based modular RTK.
RTK Mandrill without additional devices and cargo
One of the current hot topics is the development of multipurpose ground robotic platforms capable of transporting cargo or carrying modules for various purposes. The German company Quantum Systems GmbH recently unveiled another such project. Its Mandrill is a two-axle, all-terrain platform with a relatively high payload capacity.
Self-propelled platform
Quantum Systems was founded in Germany several years ago. Until recently, it was developing unmanned aerial vehicles. aviation systems and auxiliary equipment. Over the course of its operations, the company has opened several offices and production facilities in various cities across Germany and abroad.
Quantum Systems recently expanded its focus to developing unmanned ground-based systems. It has now completed the first such project, dubbed Mandrill.
At the end of February, the Enforce Tac 2026 exhibition was held in Nuremberg. At this event, Quantum Systems officially unveiled its new RTK. The product's appearance and key specifications were revealed. The company also announced its plans for developing the new project and turning it into a complete family of devices.
Platform at the training ground
The Mandrill project developed an autonomous/remotely operated ground platform capable of transporting various payloads. Two variants of this robotic platform, each with different features and parameters, are proposed. They are capable of executing operator commands or operating autonomously. The vehicles are designed to carry payloads or various devices.
In the future, an entire family of vehicles is planned to be created based on these products. It will include several base chassis of varying sizes and load capacities. They will be equipped with various electronic systems, combat modules, etc. It is expected that vehicles from this family will be able to form an entire "ecosystem" within combat units and subunits.
A prototype of the Mandrill project has already been built, undergoing testing and demonstrating its capabilities. The developer plans to complete these tests and introduce the RTK to the international market in the near future. It is not yet known which armies may order such systems.
Base chassis
The developer unveiled the first version of the Mandrill, a platform without any payload. In this form, it is already undergoing testing to refine its core technologies and confirm its performance.
The Mandrill platform is a two-axle vehicle, resembling a car without most of its components. It features a body structure consisting of three main sections located at different heights. The front and rear sections house the frames housing the powertrain and chassis components. The central section serves as a cargo platform.
Customers will be offered two platform variants with different specifications. The base Mandrill has an overall length of 3,7 meters and a curb weight of 1190 kg. Its payload capacity reaches 750 kg. A smaller, 2,9-meter-long variant has also been developed, featuring reduced weight and payload. Both versions are 1,8 meters wide and 1 meter high (excluding superstructures).
The center of the body houses a rectangular battery compartment, its lid effectively forming the cargo bed. Two battery options are available, with capacities of 46 and 54 kWh. Both options deliver 400 V. Charging is supported from various power sources, including fast charging.
The RTK is equipped with two 150 kW electric motors. The exact arrangement of the all-wheel drive is unclear. Both axles have independent suspension with wishbones, coil springs, and hydropneumatic shock absorbers. The installation of tracks is mentioned as an additional option.
Battery charging connector
On the highway, the robot will be able to reach speeds of up to 100 km/h. High-speed off-road driving is also promised. The range, depending on the battery type and load, is up to 200 km.
The Mandrill carries a fully functional computer, connected to the necessary communications, navigation, and additional modules. The control system is based on the original Mosaic UXS software developed by Quantum Systems.
It is claimed that this system is capable of independently collecting and processing data from various sources and using it to plan a route, execute a trip, etc. In the future, several vehicles equipped with the Mosaic UXS system will be able to work together in a group and perform a given task. Furthermore, remote operator control is also possible.
Opportunities
Overall, the Mandrill is being developed as a multi-purpose autonomous platform. Depending on the plans and needs of the customer and operator, it will be equipped with various payloads or add-ons. In all cases, the developer promises to maintain high performance and effectively solve the assigned tasks.
Mandrill as a UAV carrier
In its basic version, the Mandrill is a mobile cargo platform. Loads weighing up to 750 kg are mounted directly on the body and secured. In this role, the RTK combines relatively high load-carrying capacity, maneuverability, and off-road capability. Furthermore, the vehicle remains relatively low, which is beneficial in certain situations.
The promotional materials feature a robotic complex with an optical-electronic station with day and night channels. A container with a launcher for the UAV is mounted on the cargo platform. In this configuration, the Mandrill can independently conduct reconnaissance or support operations. drone with cameras. In theory, such a robotic complex is also capable of carrying attack aircraft.
Of particular interest in the Mandrill project is the implementation of the Mosaic UXS control system. The developer positions it as a universal tool for various unmanned and unmanned systems. This system is designed to manage movement, control various modules, and so on. The advertising places particular emphasis on the system's group capabilities. It is promised that it will even enable interaction between ground and aerial unmanned platforms, both autonomously and under operator control.
Overall, the new development from the German company Quantum Systems looks intriguing. It demonstrates what a modern ground-based robotic system, designed to solve a variety of problems, could look like. The developer focused not only on the components and assemblies, but also on the software. Moreover, it can be expected that the future development of the Mandrill project will be primarily focused on software.
Promotion problems
Quantum Systems unveiled its new RTK just a few days ago. The Mandrill demonstration at the exhibition is clearly the beginning of a marketing campaign aimed at finding customers. It's still unclear how soon the German company will receive its first order for the new system.
It's worth noting that Quantum Systems will face significant competition in the field of ground robots, as well as in UAVs. The company is likely relying on new developments, technologies, and advanced software to provide the desired competitive advantage. However, it remains unclear whether the potential of these new projects will be realized.
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