XRC Robotics Takes Riyadh: British Innovation at the World Defense Show

XRC Robotics has concluded a successful week at the World Defense Show (WDS), where the company’s latest uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs) were featured as part of the ADS Group UK Pavillion

The World Defense Show (WDS) in Riyadh has rapidly established itself as one of the most significant fixtures on the global defense calendar. Founded by Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), the biennial event serves as a massive crossroads for international innovation, designed to showcase the future of integrated defense across land, sea, air, and space.

For XRC Robotics, the 2026 edition was a landmark opportunity to demonstrate the versatility of our British-built uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs) on a global stage.

Collaboration in the ADS UK Pavilion

XRC Robotics was proud to exhibit within the ADS UK Pavilion, the central hub for British defense excellence at WDS. We were specifically positioned on an EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) stand alongside NP Aerospace, a collaboration that highlighted the critical intersection between high-performance robotics and vehicle integration.

While our roots are in high-speed autonomous systems, the EOD stand provided the perfect backdrop to demonstrate how XRC platforms, MFP-1 and Rhino, are uniquely suited for high-risk ordnance disposal missions, as well as broader tactical use case.

A Ministerial Visit: Luke Pollard MP

A highlight of the week was welcoming Luke Pollard, the UK Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, to the stand. Minister Pollard spent time with the XRC team, discussing the importance of domestic innovation and the "Design and Build British" ethos.

The visit provided a platform to showcase how XRC’s in-house engineering allows for rapid iteration and customization, essential qualities for modern defense procurement where speed to capability is paramount.

Modular Resilience: The XRC Advantage

What drew the most attention from international delegations was the modular build of the XRC range. Because we maintain 100% control over our engineering and manufacturing in the UK, we’ve been able to design systems where tracks can be swapped and mechanical breaks can be resolved in the field.

In an EOD context, where equipment must be as resilient as the teams operating it, this "First-Fix" capability is a game-changer. It ensures that the mission continues, even in the most demanding environments.

As we look back on a successful week in Riyadh, it is clear that the future of defense lies in agile, modular robotics. Whether it’s EOD, reconnaissance, or logistics, XRC Robotics is proud to be at the forefront of this sovereign technological shift.