Helsing unveils Area 9 and launches RX-1, its first European robotics research platform

Paris, 1 June 2026.

Helsing has today unveiled Area 9, its advanced research division, alongside the launch of the RX-1: a robotics research platform designed and manufactured entirely in Europe.

Led by Helsing’s Chief Scientist, Antoine Bordes, Area 9 is dedicated to translating frontier research into operational capabilities. Its debut project, Centaur, developed an AI pilot capable of performing beyond human limits in air combat. Having already been deployed on the Saab Gripen, Centaur now forms the technological foundation for the CA-1 Europa, Helsing’s upcoming autonomous fighter jet.

Area 9's next frontier is robotics.

RX-1: a European robotics research platform

RX-1 is designed and manufactured by Helsing in Europe. Built for speed and robustness, it offers research institutions a sovereign alternative to systems produced outside Europe. Helsing will make RX-1 available to academic institutions and robotics laboratories across the continent.

Helsing today announces its first two academic partnerships: the robotics group led by Marco Hutter at ETH Zurich, and INRIA Paris. Both will deploy RX-1 to accelerate research at the intersection of AI and autonomous systems.

Marco Hutter, Professor, ETH Zurich: "RX-1 is an advanced, European-developed hardware platform enabling exciting field robotics research. We look forward to collaborating with Antoine’s team at Area 9 to push outdoor autonomy. "

Antoine Bordes, Chief Scientist, Helsing: "RX-1 is designed in Europe and manufactured in Europe, including crucial components as our in-house designed actuators. Our robotics team has created a platform that is exceptionally strong, can withstand the elements, and will serve as a research platform across multiple teams in Europe."

Images from Antoine Bordes, Area9 and the experimental RX-1 platform can be found here : https://helsing.ai/media-assets/area-9 

Media contact: communications@helsing.ai