Drone manufacturer Quantum Systems acquires Spleenlab, gaining AI expertise for autonomous missions

One hundred per cent of Spleenlab GmbH is going to German drone manufacturer Quantum Systems. The acquired AI specialist is also based in Germany. Its Visionairy AI suite and its experience in edge perception will in future become part of the buyer’s products and research.

The aim is to be able to deliver mission systems with a higher degree of autonomy – in the air, on land and at sea.

Strategically, the acquisition moves Quantum Systems closer to the role of a full-range provider of AI-based unmanned solutions. Strengthened by additional software and AI expertise, the company intends to combine top-class hardware, software and artificial intelligence in a single system.

Florian Seibel, co-founder and Co-CEO of Quantum Systems, says: “The future is unmanned. And it will be shaped by integrating first-class hardware with first-class software. With the acquisition of Spleenlab, we are expanding our technological capabilities and delivering on our promise”. He adds: “Spleenlab’s AI expertise has shaped and improved our combat-proven platforms over the years, and we look forward to expanding this partnership further as Spleenlab joins the Quantum Systems family.”

What the drone manufacturer gains with Spleenlab

Spleenlab has made a name for itself with a new generation of machine-learning software. It delivers robust perception, navigates even without GPS, detects several objects simultaneously and coordinates the autonomy of multiple platforms. Quantum Systems already uses the technology on its own platforms, for example in joint research projects on behalf of the German Ministry of Defence, other authorities and several armed forces.

Stefan Milz, Co-CEO of Spleenlab, said: “Spleenlab was founded to enable true autonomy. After years of successful cooperation, joining forces with Quantum Systems allows us to take proven AI capabilities and deploy them at scale on platforms used in real missions”.

The Spleenlab team will be merged into Quantum Systems’ AI competence centre, tripling the headcount of the software and AI department. All current Spleenlab employees will stay on board. Nothing changes at the operation in Thuringia or the strategically important presence in Jena; ongoing cooperation programmes and services around the unmanned ecosystem will also continue.