A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.
Several civil liberties and photography organizations have submitted a brief to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, contesting a drone flight restriction previously issued by the FAA and later rescinded. The brief supports Minnesota photojournalist Robert Levine, who filed a petition aga...
The U.S. Department of Transportation, Department of War, and Department of Homeland Security have introduced new drone flight restrictions along the U.S.-Mexico border. Announced on October 16, 2026, the temporary flight restriction prohibits unauthorized drone flights within one nautical mile nort...
AirData, a drone fleet management platform based in California, has announced it has tracked over 65 million drone flights globally, encompassing more than 850,000 drones and 470,000 pilots. This milestone arrives as the FAA's Part 108 rule, which would permit routine beyond visual line of sight (BV...
A federal lawsuit has been filed by Michigan photojournalist Ray Rocha against Bay County Sheriff Troy Cunningham and Deputy Chris Berg, challenging restrictions on drone flights near police operations. The suit, initiated on August 9, 2024, stems from an incident in November 2024 where Rocha was op...
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed a civil penalty of $289,215 against Gorge Drones, located in Stevenson, Washington, for allegedly conducting unauthorized agricultural drone operations in early 2025. The FAA claims that the company operated an unmanned aircraft to dispense fert...
New federal regulations have been introduced to restrict drone operations along the U.S.-Mexico border, aiming to combat cartel drone activities. The U.S. Department of Transportation, Department of War, and Department of Homeland Security announced a temporary flight restriction (TFR) that prohibit...
The US Transportation Department has announced an immediate ban on unauthorized drone flights along the US-Mexico border. This measure aims to enhance security operations, particularly in combating illicit activities associated with drug cartels. The decision is significant as it underscores the US...
Drone U, a flight school based in Colorado, is the only institution recognized for providing RCEP professional development hours through FAA Part 107 training. This initiative allows licensed professional engineers to earn 24 professional development hours (PDHs), integrating aviation education with...
Tomas Salvo, a Georgia Tech aerospace engineering student, has set a new world record for the fastest jet-powered aircraft with his drone, Reaper, reaching a speed of 491 miles per hour (790 km/h). The drone, which can carry a payload of 2.6 pounds (1.2 kg), climbed to a maximum height of 6,500 feet...
Reach Power has successfully demonstrated a pioneering autonomous drone flight lasting 10 hours, powered wirelessly. This achievement showcases the integration of onboard visual navigation and autonomous energy management, enabling the drone to operate without external intervention or physical power...
BETA Technologies has received a groundbreaking authorization from the FAA to conduct flights with its electric VTOL aircraft, ALIA A250, for market surveys. This approval allows BETA to demonstrate the aircraft to potential customers and expands its operational scope, although full type certificati...
Melissa Swisher, Chief Revenue Officer of SkySafe, highlighted the importance of drone detection and airspace intelligence in protecting critical infrastructure. SkySafe, based in San Diego, offers technology that enables organizations to monitor drone activity around sensitive facilities, serving c...
Airbus and Kratos Defense & Security Solutions have successfully conducted the first European flight of the U740 Valkyrie uncrewed combat aircraft. This milestone is a significant step towards delivering a combat-ready Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) for Germany and other European military custo...
On October 9, 2026, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released updated guidance regarding drone operations during airport emergency exercises. This clarification outlines the authorization requirements for airport sponsors intending to utilize small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) in contro...
PowerLight Technologies, based in the U.S., has secured an expanded investment from the Department of War to enhance its Aerial ReCharge (ARC) system. This funding, part of the Operational Energy – Innovation (OE-I) Directorate, supports the ongoing development of ARC under the PTROL-UAS program, wi...
Versaterm has integrated FAA airspace authorization capabilities into its DroneSense platform, streamlining the process for public safety agencies. This integration allows agencies to request Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) approvals directly within DroneSense, reducin...
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is set to revise its Part 107 remote pilot knowledge test on October 26, 2026, introducing image-based questions that utilize aviation charts not found in current testing supplements. This update will impact the Unmanned Aircraft General-Small (UAG) knowledg...
The FAA has announced a $12 million funding initiative for 19 companies and organizations focused on drone research and testing projects. This funding is part of the FAA’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Broad Agency Announcement Program, aimed at enhancing the safe integration of drones into the US...
Northrop Grumman has successfully completed the first flight of its self-funded YFQ-48A drone wingman. The aircraft demonstrated fully autonomous capabilities, including taxi, takeoff, in-flight maneuvers, and landing, during its flight over the Mojave Desert in California. This milestone is signif...
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has allocated $12 million to fund 19 drone research and testing initiatives aimed at enhancing the safe expansion of drone operations within the National Airspace System (NAS). These projects, supported through the FAA’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Broa...
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has advanced H.R. 10304, the Drone Safety Statement Modernization Act of 2026, which mandates that small drone manufacturers provide a safety statement to operators upon their first activation. This bill aims to enhance safety awareness among new...
AEVEX Corp. has secured a potential contract worth $92.2 million to support the U.S. military's SkyRange hypersonic test program over three years. This contract will enable AEVEX to conduct flight operations across designated corridors in the Western U.S. and the Pacific, focusing on airborne teleme...
Researchers at Durham University have created an innovative drone navigation system that allows autonomous aircraft to navigate through cluttered environments more efficiently. This advancement enhances the speed, smoothness, and safety of drone operations in areas filled with obstacles. The signif...
The California State Assembly has passed AB 2113, a bill prohibiting drone operations within 400 feet of outdoor ticketed events and amusement parks. This legislation, which received a unanimous 76-0 vote, aims to enhance safety for attendees and protect intellectual property at major events. The b...
Amprius Technologies has launched a silicon-anode battery cell aimed at enhancing the endurance of uncrewed aircraft. The new SiCore cell boasts an energy density of 500 watt-hours per kilogram (Wh/kg) at a continuous discharge rate of 1C, with commercial availability anticipated in the fourth quart...
Lucid Bots has unveiled the Power Tether, a groundbreaking ground-powered continuous flight system for commercial cleaning and spraying drones. This innovation allows the Sherpa drone to receive external power, minimizing the need for battery changes during extended operations. The introduction of...
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has rejected requests to extend the comment period for a proposal that may limit the importation and marketing of specific foreign-produced drones and components. Comments are due by September 2, 2026, regarding a proposal from July 21 that addresses forei...
First Breach Inc. has successfully completed the inaugural flight of its proprietary drone prototype, marking a significant transition from ammunition manufacturing to unmanned aircraft systems. This milestone follows the company's recent listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker symbol...
Federal and local officials have condemned drone overflights during recent wildfires in eastern Washington, which led to the temporary grounding of firefighting aircraft. The wildfires, which affected Spokane, resulted in the destruction of approximately 800 buildings and the evacuation of tens of t...
On August 17, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released a NextGen fact sheet detailing updates to the National Airspace System (NAS) and ongoing modernization efforts. The Next Generation Air Transportation System, or NextGen, has significantly advanced U.S. air traffic management technolog...
DJI has released a firmware update for the Mavic 4 Pro drone, including updates for the DJI RC Pro 2, DJI RC 2, and DJI Fly app. The new aircraft firmware v01.00.0800 aims to fix known issues, enhancing the overall flight experience for users. While the update does not introduce new features, it emp...
The U.S. Navy has announced that P-8A Poseidon crews can now direct MQ-4C Triton drones during flight without relying on ground stations. This advancement enhances operational flexibility and coordination in military missions, allowing for more efficient targeting and engagement of multiple threats...
DoorDash has announced that it has received Part 135 air carrier certification from the Federal Aviation Administration, enabling the launch of DoorDash Air, its proprietary drone delivery program. This certification allows the company to operate as an air carrier, expanding its delivery capabilitie...
The TP200 drone from China has successfully completed its first flight, showcasing impressive specifications including a range of 1,860 miles and the ability to operate for 24 hours continuously. This multi-mission drone is designed to meet various operational needs, enhancing capabilities in aerial...
Sikorsky has initiated flight testing for its Nomad 100 uncrewed aircraft, marking a significant milestone in the DARPA-supported Early VTOL Aircraft Demonstration (EVADE) program. The aircraft is designed for operations without runways, enabling it to launch from remote locations and support variou...
In a recent three-part series, experts Aloha Ley and Giovanni Carnaroli explore the human factors affecting drone operations, focusing on cognitive workload and pilot fatigue. They highlight that human factors are significant contributors to drone incidents, as evidenced by nearly 700 UAS-related re...
L3Harris Technologies and Shield AI have successfully completed the inaugural live flight trial of their Distributed Spectrum Collaboration and Operations (DiSCO) system. This achievement marks a significant step in the development of autonomous electronic warfare capabilities. The successful fligh...
SYNDÉO, a Verona, Wisconsin-based infrastructure company, is advocating for underground drone bases, specifically its SmartVault Drone Base, designed for critical missions like infrastructure inspection and border security. This innovative subsurface station features a load-bearing hatch for drone c...
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved Drone Amplified's MONTIS drone system for avalanche control, paving the way for its use by transportation agencies and ski resorts. This approval allows operators to deploy explosive charges remotely, enhancing safety by keeping personnel away f...
A coalition of civil liberties organizations, including the ACLU and EFF, is advocating for amendments to a proposed FAA rule that could limit drone flights over critical infrastructure. They argue that overly broad restrictions could hinder independent journalism and the use of drones for news-gath...
Boeing announced that the U.S. Navy's MQ-25A Stingray has successfully completed its second test flight, marking significant progress in the development of the Navy's unmanned refueling aircraft. This flight confirmed the drone's flight controls and performance, moving closer to its intended carrier...
Drone Amplified, a Nebraska-based company, announced on July 8, 2026, that it has received regulatory approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its MONTIS drone, designed for avalanche control operations. This approval establishes a legal framework for the commercial deployment of...
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced updates regarding drone operations during the FIFA World Cup 2026, clarifying that both Part 107 and Part 135 operators can now seek approval for flights within restricted airspace. This decision comes as part of the FAA's efforts to streamline...
As summer approaches, amusement park operators are advocating for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to implement restrictions on drone flights to safeguard crowds from unauthorized unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) overflights. With the influx of visitors expected during the vacation season, the...
SkyeBrowse has launched a Roof Damage Analysis tool that enables drone pilots to convert a single flight into comprehensive roof inspections. This tool integrates automated measurements, AI-driven damage detection, and storm history data, catering to roofing contractors, insurance adjusters, and pub...
The US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and the Air Combat Command's Experimental Operations Unit have successfully conducted a flight of the XQ-67A Autonomous Collaborative Platform at the Nevada Test and Training Range. This flight marks a significant step in testing the capabilities of autono...
Purdue University’s Windracers ULTRA became the first autonomous aircraft to complete a beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flight in the Indiana Drone Corridor, covering over 50 miles during its inaugural event at Terre Haute Regional Airport. This milestone is significant as it showcases the poten...
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has voted to open 50 megahertz of spectrum in the 800 MHz cellular band for uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), lifting a decades-old restriction. This decision allows drone operators to access additional licensed spectrum, which is crucial for reliable wirel...
US Senator Rick Scott is reinforcing his stance against DJI and Autel Robotics as they challenge their inclusion on the FCC's Covered List. He argues that extensive investigations have confirmed these companies pose national security risks. Scott's support for maintaining these restrictions is backe...
Recent legislation in California, Arizona, and Alabama introduces new restrictions on drone operations over event venues, raising concerns among operators. These state laws aim to protect venues from unauthorized UAV incursions but create a complex regulatory landscape that may conflict with federal...
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