Our approach

Retrofittable, platform-agnostic driving robotics that automate any vehicle – regardless of OEM.

EXPERIENCE THE BENEFITS OF AUTONOMY NOW

Accessible autonomy starts here

Autonomy promises safer, more productive operations - but for many, achieving it has been slow, costly, and complex. We take a different approach.

Traditional drive-by-wire solutions require deep vehicle integration and long development cycles. They often fail to scale across mixed and legacy fleets, leaving operators stuck between high costs and limited flexibility.

Our driving robotics replace the complexity of drive-by-wire with a simple, retrofittable system that automates any vehicle with a steering wheel and pedals. No invasive modifications. No OEM dependency. Just a platform-agnostic solution that transforms existing fleets into autonomous systems in days,
not years.

The result? Rapid deployment, immediate safety and productivity gains, and a clear path to autonomy without replacing a single vehicle.

AUTONOMY FOR ANY FLEET

Driving robotics

What are driving robotics?

Driving robotics are mechanical systems that automate vehicle control by physically operating the steering, pedals, clutch, and gearshift – just like a human driver. Unlike drive-by-wire systems, robotics use precision actuators to deliver direct, physical control. That means no need for OEM access, custom interfaces, or invasive modifications.

Our driving robotics are powered by intelligent software that enables vehicles to follow predefined routes, navigate dynamic environments, or be driven remotely. To support safe and reliable autonomous operation, we offer integrated perception systems using lidar and camera technologies – providing real-time awareness and obstacle detection across a range of conditions.

FLEXIBLE AUTONOMY

Autonomy on your terms

Most autonomy solutions come with strings attached – complex integration, rigid platforms, and long deployment timelines. Our driving robotics offer a smarter alternative: fast to install, easy to move, and built to work with the vehicles you already have. It’s automation that adapts to you, not the other way around.

Rapid deployment across mixed fleets

Can be installed on virtually any vehicle within hours – regardless of OEM, model, or age. You don’t need to standardise on a single platform, purchase new vehicles or wait for drive-by-wire compatibility.

Lower integration cost and risk

Not dependent on proprietary OEM vehicle systems. No custom integration. No proprietary access. Just plug-in autonomy that scales with your fleet, dramatically
reducing the time, cost, and complexity of deployment.

Removable and redeployable

Can be removed and redeployed, giving you the flexibility to reconfigure your autonomous capabilities in response to changing operational demands – and ensuring your investment keeps delivering value.

Driving robots vs drive by wire

In many cases, robotic actuation offers a faster, more cost-effective path to vehicle automation than CAN-based drive- by-wire systems – especially when working with mixed OEM fleets.

Capability
Driving Robots
Drive-by-wire

Rapid deployment of in-vehicle components with minimal setup time

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No modification required to internal vehicle systems or OEM software

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Bypasses the need for CAN decoding or OEM collaboration

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Enables automation of manual transmission

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Automates vehicles with mechanical or hydraulic steering and braking systems

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Easily transferable between vehicles without complex integration

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Unaffected by OEM software updates

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Allows quick changes between manual and autonomous modes without calibration

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Reduces safety and liability risks by eliminating the need to inject code into the vehicle

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CAN AUTOMATION

Drive-by-wire

While driving robotics offer unmatched flexibility and ease of deployment, there are situations where a drive-by-wire solution is the right fit. For operations where direct CAN integration is preferred our drive-by-wire offering, based on AB Dynamics’ Flex-0 controller, provides a compact alternative.

Flex-0 enables full driverless control via standard CAN messaging, with minimal hardware. It can be used with vehicles equipped with electronic throttle, brake, and steering systems and OEM platforms designed with automation in mind.

To support safe autonomous operation, Flex-0 includes a safety controller that monitors system health and vehicle status continuously, with built-in fail-safes and emergency stop protocols.

Just like our driving robotics, the same software controls our drive-by-wire system – allowing vehicles to follow predefined routes, respond to dynamic environments, or be operated remotely. This provides a single, consistent interface for robotic and drive-by-wire deployments.

Advanced perception systems

SITUATIONAL AWARENESS

In addition to integrated GNSS/INS positioning, we offer perception systems that interface with our control systems to detect and classify objects and obstacles in real time.

Lidar perception system

Lidar perception system

Our lidar solution provides high-resolution 3D mapping of the environment, enabling precise detection of terrain, objects, and obstacles in real time.

By generating dense point clouds, lidar delivers the spatial accuracy required for path following and obstacle avoidance, where vehicles operate in unstructured and dynamic environments such as construction sites, mines, and defence zones.

The solution can be deployed with our camera perception technology for a robust, redundant perception stack.

Camera perception system

Camera perception system

Our camera-based perception system uses advanced vision technology to detect and classify objects in real time. It provides rich visual context that can complement lidar data, enabling recognition of environmental features and dynamic obstacles.

When combined with lidar, it forms part of a robust, redundant perception stack, ensuring reliable performance across a wide range of operating conditions and supporting safe, efficient autonomous operation.

Human recognition system

Human recognition system

Our retrofittable human form detection system enhances situational awareness by continuously monitoring blind spots around moving vehicles and alerting operators when personnel enter predefined danger zones. Using a 360-degree camera system, it identifies people in real time, even in complex and cluttered environments.

When the cameras detect a human within a specified zone, the system issues visual and audible alerts, helping operators respond quickly and prevent accidents.

Ideal for industries such as construction, mining, and defence, it delivers a proactive layer of safety without the need to replace your current fleet.

Improved safety through advanced perception

Lidar perception delivers high-resolution 3D mapping that ensures precise detection of terrain, objects, and obstacles in real time. Accurate distance measurement in all lighting and weather conditions makes it ideal for collision avoidance and safe navigation in unstructured environments such as
construction sites, mines, and defence zones.

Camera perception adds rich visual context, enabling object classification and recognition of environmental features. This allows systems to distinguish between vehicles, equipment, and personnel, supporting informed decision-making. Together, lidar and camera technologies create a robust perception layer that enhances situational awareness and improves operational safety in dynamic, high-risk environments.

CHOSEN BY THE WORLD’S LEADING OEMs

Proven technology you can trust

Our driving robotics aren’t experimental – they’re built on the same proven technology developed by AB Dynamics, a global leader in automotive testing and validation. For decades, AB Dynamics’ driving robots have been trusted by the world’s top vehicle manufacturers to deliver precision, reliability, and safety in the most demanding environments.

Now, ABD Solutions brings this trusted technology to off-highway autonomy. By leveraging a platform that’s already validated in thousands of hours of real-world use, we ensure your path to autonomy is not just fast—but proven, dependable, and ready for scale.

40 years

delivering solutions to the automotive industry.

1,500

robotic driving systems delivered globally.

50+

of the world’s leading vehicle OEMs use our AB Dynamics robotic driving systems.

THE SMARTER PATH TO AUTONOMY

Improve safety and efficiency. Using your existing fleet.

Modernise your legacy fleet with fast-fit robotics that deliver autonomy across multiple vehicle types - all using a single, flexible solution.

Automate your fleet today

Case studies

VERSATILE SOLUTIONS IN ACTION

Leopard II tank automation for the Bundeswehr

Leopard II tank automation for the Bundeswehr

Wehrtechnische Dienststelle 91 (WTD 91) is the Bundeswehr’s technical centre responsible for analysing, testing and evaluating weapons and weapon systems. It operates the largest fully instrumented ground firing range in Western Europe.

ABD Solutions’ sister company AB Dynamics partnered with WTD 91 in Germany to automate a Leopard II tank using advanced robotic actuators. The automated Leopard II tank is used as a target vehicle to support the development of next-generation weapons systems. AB Dynamics achieved this by installing standard steering and pedal control robotics, adapted with bespoke mounts to fit the tank’s restricted and unconventional interior, while retaining the ability for manual operation when required.

The system enables the tank to follow pre-programmed routes with exceptional accuracy, navigating complex obstacle layouts designed to challenge missile guidance systems. Despite being a tracked vehicle, the Leopard II maintains steering precision within 20 cm, even across rough terrain.

In addition to fully driverless path-following, the tank can also be remotely operated or driven by a human operator, providing maximum flexibility for a wide range of test scenarios.

ABD Solutions extends life of legacy mining fleet with driverless technology

ABD Solutions extends life of legacy mining fleet with driverless technology

A mining client in the Asia–Pacific region operates a mixed fleet of mid-sized haul trucks from three different OEMs – making it impossible to adopt a single, native autonomous haulage system. Facing labour shortages in a remote location, the client planned to retire an older truck in the coming year. Instead, they engaged ABD Solutions to demonstrate the potential of its retrofittable driverless technology.

On site, ABD Solutions mobilised quickly and installed its robotic actuation system into a 24-year-old CAT 789C haul truck – one with no onboard computer or CAN-bus. Within hours, the once- idled truck was transformed into a fully autonomous, production-ready asset, immediately delivering value back to the mine.

Following this success, the partnership is expanding. ABD Solutions is now working to integrate the entire fleet – spanning three major OEM platforms – into a single autonomous operating system, positioning the company as the mining industry’s truly OEM-agnostic autonomy provider.

The world’s first autonomous Wolfhound TSC

The world’s first autonomous Wolfhound TSC

The Wolfhound heavy-armoured truck is part of the British Army’s Tactical Support Vehicle fleet, designed to accompany front-line patrols and transport essential combat supplies.

ABD Solutions, in partnership with NP Aerospace – the UK Ministry of Defence’s protected mobility fleet manager – retrofitted the Wolfhound with a robotic automation solution. The vehicle was equipped with robotic steering and pedal controls, enabling it to autonomously follow a pre-set path or be remotely operated.

Installed and operational within hours, the system used removable mounts with no permanent modifications – making it easy to redeploy across multiple vehicles. The result: enhanced safety, reduced risk to personnel, and greater operational efficiency on the front line

Frequently Asked Questions

You have questions. We have answers.

Will robotic automation work with my vehicles?

Our robotics work with almost any vehicle, regardless of platform or manufacturer. We have a range of mounting arrangements to suit different vehicle layouts. We can also control non-conventional gear shift arrangements and joysticks.

What are the advantages of robotic automation?

While automating via a vehicle’s CAN bus is theoretically straightforward, manufacturers’ use of different messaging structures and protocols necessitates access to OEM documentation or reverse engineering to develop an automation solution. This can make the implementation and ongoing management of automation complex, time-consuming and costly. Robotics avoids this complexity, using the same robotic hardware across all platforms, with a quick and simple automated process to tune the robots to each vehicle.

How long does it take to install a driverless robotic solution?

A robotic solution can be fitted to vehicles with standard layouts in around two hours. Commonly, installation only requires minimal modifications to the vehicle.

Is a robotic solution suitable for rough terrain?

Our robots were originally developed for use in durability testing applications. This type of testing subjects vehicles to extreme driving conditions to accelerate the wear of systems and components to simulate years of use.

Can a vehicle equipped with driving robotics be manually driven?

Yes, vehicles can be comfortably driven with robotics in place and switching between autonomy and human control is seamless.

Are driving robotics a proven technology?

ABD Solutions’ robotic technology was developed by AB Dynamics and its systems have been used for automotive testing by the world’s leading automotive OEMs for nearly three decades.

Ready to automate? Discuss your requirements with one of our team.

Whether you’re exploring autonomy for a single vehicle or scaling across a fleet, our experts are here to help. We’ll work with you to understand your operational needs and tailor a solution that fits—fast.

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ONE SYSTEM TO CONVERT ANYTHING

Our rapidly deployable technology is enhancing safety, reducing costs and improving productivity in your industry.

ABD Solutions’ robotic driving technology has already been used to automate vehicles across a wide range of industries, including dump trucks, haul trucks, main battle tanks, tactical support vehicles, forklifts, steel carriers and tractors. Not to mention dozens of models from the world’s leading automotive OEMs.

We’re ready for our next automation challenge. What have you got for us?