Nokia will lead PROACTIF, a European Union-backed robotics and unmanned systems initiative under the Chips Joint Undertaking. According to the Finnish telecom giant, the project will enhance the resilience of Europe’s electronic components and systems while boosting the autonomy of its drone and robotics industries.
Nokia will coordinate a 42-member consortium and four affiliates across 13 countries, including academic institutions and small and medium-sized enterprises. Under the company’s leadership, the project will develop nine advanced technology building blocks and five interoperable unmanned vehicle systems tailored to European civil security needs, particularly in emergency management and critical infrastructure surveillance.
Making Unmanned Platforms Safe and Affordable
Nokia said the goal is to create cost-effective, safe and cybersecure unmanned platforms with rapid deployment capabilities. By 2035, the consortium aims to generate over $100 million in revenue, develop 50 new products and secure over 15 new industry patents. It is also set to create hundreds of jobs, catalyze new industry collaborations and earn over $45 million in additional investment.
Thomas Eder, head of embedded wireless solutions at Nokia, said the company is honored to lead PROACTIF. “It demonstrates Nokia’s commitment to fostering innovation and resilience across Europe,” the executive said in a statement. “By collaborating with leading organizations, this initiative will address critical challenges in security and sustainability, delivering real-world benefits for society.”
The announcement follows Nokia’s other recent company developments. Earlier this year, the European Commission cleared its $2.3 billion acquisition of Infinera, a U.S. optical networking equipment manufacturer. Last week, it signed a memorandum with Rheinmetall’s blackned GmbH to co-develop secure tactical networks for military use in Germany.