Fernride

Fernride is a Munich-based technology firm founded in 2019, specializing in autonomous ground systems and human-assisted autonomy software. The company is led by CEO Hendrik Kramer and operates from Munich, Germany. Its core business initially focused on logistics automation, developing a platform for yard trucks and container terminals where vehicles operate autonomously for the majority of tasks while a remote human operator intervenes when necessary. This “human-assisted autonomy” model allows for the automation of repetitive and high-risk cargo movements in industrial settings, aiming to improve efficiency and safety in mixed-traffic environments.

In recent years, Fernride has expanded its technological application into the defense sector, specifically targeting the needs of the Ukrainian military. The company co-developed the TerMIT, a modular tracked ground robot, with Ukraine’s Tencore. The TerMIT is designed for battlefield logistics and casualty evacuation, featuring a range of up to approximately 40 kilometers. This collaboration marks a significant pivot for Fernride, extending its expertise in unmanned ground vehicles from commercial logistics to active combat zones. The partnership leverages Fernride’s autonomy software and Tencore’s local manufacturing and operational capabilities to address the urgent demand for unmanned systems in the war against Russia.

The TerMIT project has garnered attention at the highest levels of the Ukrainian government. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly acknowledged the collaboration, highlighting the robot’s role in supporting Ukrainian forces. The device is intended to reduce the risk to personnel by handling dangerous logistics tasks, such as moving supplies to the front lines or evacuating wounded soldiers. This deployment aligns with the broader trend of integrating commercial and dual-use technologies into the conflict, where companies with expertise in autonomous driving are adapting their platforms for military utility.

Fernride’s entry into the defense market underscores the growing intersection between civilian robotics and modern warfare. By applying its autonomous driving stack to the TerMIT, the company is contributing to the development of unmanned ground vehicles that can operate in contested environments. The collaboration with Tencore demonstrates a model of international cooperation in defense technology, combining German engineering with Ukrainian operational experience. As the war continues, the role of such unmanned systems in logistics and evacuation is expected to remain critical, with Fernride positioning itself as a provider of flexible ground autonomy solutions for both commercial and defense applications.