French Army to equip engineering units with 60 ROBIN heavy robots for explosive removal.

As reported by Opex 360 on February 26, 2025, the French Army plans to acquire up to sixty ROBIN investigation robots for its engineering units. The French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) has launched a competitive procurement process to supply these heavy-duty robots, designed for investigating and neutralizing suspicious objects, particularly improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The ROBIN system is classified as a "heavy robot," with a weight exceeding 1,500 kg. It is intended to complement existing robotic systems such as the Minirogen and the SRGR, which is based on the Nerva XX platform from KNDS France.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Contractors must demonstrate expertise in robotic arm development, specifically a minimum 50 kg handling capacity and a 3-meter extension, but this requirement is already met by several companies, such as CNIM, Soframe, and KNDS Robotics. (Picture source: CNIM and Soframe)

According to the DGA's procurement notice, the ROBIN system will include a remotely operated platform capable of functioning at several hundred meters from its operator. It will feature observation and communication tools and an investigation arm with a multifunctional tool. The system is designed to remove materials covering a buried object, enabling an initial analysis. If the object poses a threat, the robot will be capable of extracting and relocating it away from the primary route.

The ROBIN robot is designed for integration with the Griffon multi-role armored vehicle (VBMR), capable of being towed over several hundred meters at speeds of up to 30 km/h. In operational scenarios, it will primarily be transported on a trailer attached to a Griffon. The contract includes the development and delivery of approximately sixty ROBIN units, twenty of which will be produced without an investigation arm. The procurement also covers support services and the supply of spare parts.

The procurement is classified as a defense project under a restricted bidding procedure. Bidders must submit proposals by April 1, 2025, with the project expected to run for up to 60 months. The French Ministry of Armed Forces requires the selected contractor to have industrial and production facilities within the European Union or the European Economic Area. The contract includes provisions for optional orders to accommodate potential technical modifications or additional requirements.

According to the official tender documentation, the ROBIN system acquisition is part of the Ministry’s broader counter-IED strategy. The contract follows a framework agreement, combining firm, optional, and order-based components to maintain flexibility. Contractors must demonstrate expertise in robotic arm development, specifically a minimum 50 kg handling capacity and a 3-meter extension. Bidders are also required to provide evidence of experience in designing remotely operated mobile platforms that meet specified speed and endurance criteria.

The procurement notice states that the ROBIN robots must be compatible with existing military logistics chains for transport and deployment. The systems must operate in both urban and rural environments, with performance trials scheduled on military test sites in metropolitan France before deployment. Given the program's technical requirements, the contract allows modifications based on operational testing results. Selection criteria include financial stability, experience in robotic system integration, and compliance with specified performance requirements. The tender process, outlined on the European public procurement platform and the Ministry of Armed Forces website, consists of two phases: a prequalification stage followed by detailed offer submissions. The contract covers development, supply, logistical support, spare parts provisioning, and maintenance.

Potential candidates for this contract include CNIM Systèmes Industriels, which has proposed the ROCUS (Route Clearance Unmanned System). Introduced in 2022, ROCUS is based on the THeMIS platform from Estonia's Milrem Robotics. It is remotely operable from up to 500 meters away and includes a robotic arm capable of lifting 100 kg at a 4-meter reach. However, its tracked configuration may impact its selection. Another contender is the Fardier MK II, which was presented by Soframe at the most recent Eurosatory land defense exhibition. This 3.5-ton, 4x4 chassis-based vehicle is towable and remotely operable for demining tasks in hazardous areas. Soframe highlights its extended operational range and off-road capabilities, positioning it as a versatile system for missions requiring mobility in difficult terrain.

A third potential candidate for the ROBIN investigation robot contract could be the Centurio Pioneer, developed by KNDS France Robotics and based on the Phobos platform by Sogeclair. Designed for Counter-IED (C-IED) operations, it is a remotely controlled system capable of excavating, identifying suspicious objects, and handling IEDs. The Pioneer is equipped with a 3-meter hydraulic arm capable of lifting up to 100 kg, featuring interchangeable tools such as a claw, bucket, and air nozzle. Furthermore, in a video presented at IDEX 2025, the robot was shown being towed by the Griffon, aligning with a key requirement of the program.

Among the possible candidates for the French ROBIN program, we could include the Centurio Pioneer, the Fardier MKII and the CNIM ROCUS, just by looking at French companies. (Picture sources: Wikimedia, Army Recognition, Soframe, CNIM)