In an international context marked by growing tensions and complex security challenges, the armed forces must constantly adapt their operational capabilities. This is precisely the objective of the ORION 2026 exercise, a major event organized by the Ministry of the Armed Forces, during which the most advanced technologies are put to the test.
Among them, the THALAMUS autonomous robot, developed by Glocal Robotics and deployed in France by SCOPEX for the armed forces, has proven its worth in the field.
ORION 2026: A Military Exercise of Exceptional Scale
The ORION exercise (Operation for Resilience and High-Intensity Intervention) is one of the largest military exercises organized in Europe. Designed to simulate a high-intensity engagement, it mobilizes thousands of military personnel, as well as land, air, maritime, and cyber assets.
Its unique feature lies in its multi-domain and joint-force approach, incorporating realistic scenarios inspired by modern conflicts. The objective is clear: to prepare French forces to handle complex, hybrid, and evolving situations, while testing the integration of new technologies in a demanding operational environment.
The 2026 edition marks a key milestone, with an intensification of technological experiments, particularly in the field of autonomous robotics.
THALAMUS deployed to secure of a sensitive military infrastructure
As part of this effort, the THALAMUS robot was deployed to secure a strategic facility used during the exercise.
Working alongside the armed forces during exercises, the robot helped monitor this sensitive site, perfectly illustrating the contribution of autonomous systems to the protection of critical infrastructure.
This real-world scenario confirms THALAMUS’s ability to operate in demanding environments, providing direct support to military units.
SCOPEX: Key Partner and Exclusive Distributor to the French Army
The deployment of THALAMUS in ORION 2026 would not have been possible without the commitment of SCOPEX, the robot’s exclusive distributor to the French Army in France.
At the request of the French Army, SCOPEX teams supported this major exercise, providing concrete technological solutions to the military’s operational requirements.
Their contribution not only enabled the integration of the robot into the maneuver but also allowed these solutions to be presented to high-ranking military officials, including the Chief of the General Staff (CEMA) and the Chief of the Army Staff (CEMAT). This central role positions SCOPEX as a strategic player in the adoption of advanced robotic technologies by the French armed forces.
The Role of a Robot like THALAMUS in Operations
The integration of autonomous robots like THALAMUS into high-intensity exercises addresses a clear operational need: to optimize the effectiveness of forces while reducing their exposure to risks.
In this type of maneuver, THALAMUS fulfills several essential functions:
1. Autonomous perimeter surveillance
The robot is capable of providing continuous, autonomous surveillance of sensitive areas, detecting any suspicious activity using its onboard sensors.
2. Securing infrastructure
By patrolling regularly, it helps protect strategic sites, without requiring constant deployment of human resources.
3. Support for operational maneuvers
THALAMUS integrates into the military ecosystem by providing real-time data, facilitating decision-making for commanders.
4. Freeing up soldiers’ operational time
As Renato Cudicio (Glocal Robotics) points out, one of the robot’s major contributions is freeing military personnel from repetitive surveillance tasks, allowing them to focus on high-value-added missions requiring human judgment and expertise.
A concrete demonstration of tomorrow’s defense robotics
The presence of THALAMUS during the ORION 2026 exercise serves as a tangible demonstration of the evolution of military capabilities. It illustrates how autonomous robotics can be effectively integrated into complex operations and help strengthen the security of forces and infrastructure.
Thanks to the collaboration between Glocal Robotics and SCOPEX, the French armed forces now have an innovative solution ready to meet the challenges of modern conflicts.