European Technology Leaders Announce Pre-Integrated Software and Hardware Solution for Off-Road Autonomy and Smart Machines

November 11, 2025 — [Hannover, Germany] — A consortium of European technology pioneers — driveblocks, Apex.AI, Sysgo, and STW — today announced the launch of a pre-integrated software and hardware platform designed for off-road applications across the agriculture, construction, and defense industries.

This comprehensive solution combines advanced perception and autonomy software, robust middleware, a safety-critical operating system, and a high-performance control unit into a modular ecosystem that accelerates OEM development of intelligent, safe, and connected machines.

 “With this collaboration, we’re enabling manufacturers to bring advanced driver assistance and autonomous functions to off-road machines faster — with proven, interoperable European technology,” said Dr. Stephan Matz, COO, driveblocks.

Entry Point into the Software-Defined Future

More than just an autonomy solution, the platform represents a strategic entry point for machine manufacturers into the software-defined future.
By combining modular software components, including Apex.AI’s node-based, configurable execution framework, with robust hardware integration, it enables a new generation of smart, connected machines that can evolve through software updates.

The system supports features such as over-the-air (OTA) updates, remote diagnostics, and data-driven optimization, giving OEMs full flexibility to scale from assisted operation to full autonomy — all within a consistent, certifiable software framework.

A Modular and Safety-Certifiable Ecosystem

Built on European-developed and safety-aligned technology, the platform supports applications of varying safety criticality - from basic assistance functions to fully autonomous operations - and can be certified according to functional safety standards relevant to off-road industries.

The integration of:

• driveblocks’ perception and autonomy software

• Apex.AI’s certifiable middleware and software framework

• SYSGO’s PikeOS operating system

• STW’s rugged, high-performance control unit

creates a future-proof foundation that helps OEMs transition toward intelligent, software-centric architectures with minimal integration effort.

First Use Cases: SafeZone for Agriculture and Construction

The first use-case is the driveblocks SafeZone, an environment perception system that uses camera and LiDAR perception to prevent collisions in agricultural and construction machinery.
These applications enhance operational safety by detecting obstacles and automatically assisting braking in complex, dynamic off-road environments — marking a key step toward broader autonomous and connected capabilities for heavy-duty machines.

Visitors can experience demonstrators of the system at Agritechnica 2025, showcased at:

• driveblocks booth in Hall 21, Booth K15, and

• STW booth in Hall 17, Booth D12.

Applicability in Defense

The same modular and certifiable architecture also makes the system highly relevant for defense applications, where safety, reliability, and autonomy are mission-critical.
Its ability to integrate perception, control, and secure communications enables defense vehicle manufacturers to implement driver assistance, situational awareness, and autonomous logistics functions while maintaining full sovereignty over system design and data.

“Our shared goal is to accelerate the safe and certifiable deployment of autonomous capabilities in industrial vehicles through modular, deterministic software and proven real-time middleware.,” said Franz Walkembach, VP Marketing & Alliances, SYSGO.

About the Partners

• driveblocks develops scalable autonomy solutions for industrial and off-road vehicles, enabling safe perception and decision-making in challenging environments.

• Apex.AI provides reliable, safety-certifiable software infrastructure for autonomous and connected systems based on modern development practices.

• SYSGO is Europe’s leading provider of real-time operating systems for safety- and security-critical applications.

• STW delivers intelligent electronic control units, connectivity solutions and sensors for mobile machines in agriculture, construction, and other demanding fields.