Pearson Engineering boosts its autonomy and AI capabilities with ground-breaking £3 million robotics investment

This will see funds go into its Armstrong Works site and existing team of over 300 engineers to deliver at least 20 additional jobs and create new Artificial Intelligence Labs to help drive forward innovations for the future of the battlefield, continuing Pearson Engineering’s work to protect lives and develop new technologies.

This follows the announcement at DSEI 2025 that Pearson Engineering will partner with global robotics and autonomous manufacturer Milrem Robotics, Overwatch Aerospace Ltd and MSI-Defence Systems Limited (MSI-DS) around the launch of a UK-specific version of the THeMIS Combat Uncrewed Ground Vehicle (UGV) which will see the coalition develop, test, demonstrate and produce the combat-proven THeMIS platform.

The announcement of Pearson Engineering’s investment builds on its existing robotics expertise and complements the Government’s plans for the North East as an AI Growth Zone, leading the way with investment in the region. Pearson Engineering has developed technologies, such as Threat-Sense, which uses AI to detect and positively identify surface laid mines, even in adverse environmental conditions, for any military vehicle or uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV).

Ian Bell, CEO of Pearson Engineering Limited, said: “The future of the battlefield is changing, and Pearson Engineering is committed to being at the forefront of how we protect lives and reduce the risk to individuals. Our technology, such as Threat-Sense, is already helping Armed Forces around the world to explore how they can use uncrewed innovation to better protect troops.”

Tim Hough, Head of Research and Development at Pearson Engineering, said: “This investment marks a step-change in Pearson Engineering’s focus on AI and robotics and its potential to transform how we provide life-saving products for the modern battlefield. It’s an exciting time for engineers to join our team to work on emerging technologies, alongside expert leaders in cutting-edge facilities.”