A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.
Sky-Watch, a Danish drone manufacturer, has been selected as a supplier under a new framework agreement with the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA). This agreement enables NATO nations to procure the RQ-35 Heidrun unmanned aircraft system more efficiently, bypassing lengthy national purchasi...
At the recent AUSA event, drones and counter-drone technology were the focal points, showcasing the Army's commitment to innovation in defense. The Army is actively seeking to enhance competition among industry players by integrating new vendors into its procurement processes. This strategy aims to...
Elsight has unveiled a new positioning technology that enables drones and autonomous vehicles to navigate without GPS. This innovation is crucial as GPS jamming and spoofing pose increasing threats in military operations, complicating navigation and mission execution. The new system utilizes cellul...
Sikorsky is advancing its 'Black Hawk 2070' strategy, which includes the introduction of the U-Hawk cargo drone and a new digital backbone for the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. This modernization effort aims to enhance the aircraft's capabilities and ensure its relevance in future combat scenarios....
German defense startups Helsing and Stark Defence are advancing in the development of attack drones. The German government announced plans to initiate training for the army on these new drones starting in November. This training is significant as it marks a step forward in enhancing the capabilitie...
Skysys Intelligent Technology is pioneering the integration of drones and robots for renewable energy operations, particularly in inspection and maintenance tasks. Traditional methods of inspecting photovoltaic panels are labor-intensive and hazardous, but Skysys' systems have been deployed at over...
President Donald Trump has announced new tariffs on imported drones and specific drone components following a national security investigation by the Commerce Department. The tariffs, which range from 25% to 100%, are set to take effect on September 3, 2026, for most products, while certain component...
Drones and federal border surveillance resources are being deployed in Texas to combat the New World screwworm, a parasitic fly that inflicts severe damage on warm-blooded animals. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has conducted over 1,000 drone surveillance flights since June 3, 2026, obser...
U.S. defense technology firms Lantronix and Swarmer are collaborating to create a compact computing platform that enhances small military drones' onboard processing power by four times. This new system integrates Lantronix’s Open-Q 6490CS System-on-Module with Swarmer’s autonomy software, aiming to...
Autel Robotics has announced a new firmware update for its EVO Lite Enterprise series, enhancing flight performance, online maps, and addressing known bugs. This update is crucial for professionals using the drones for inspections, security, and emergency response, rather than just aerial photograph...
General Dynamics Land Systems has introduced PERCH 2.0, an upgraded launcher kit for M1A2 Abrams tanks and Stryker armored vehicles, enabling the deployment of AeroVironment Switchblade 300 loitering munitions. This system enhances vehicle crews' capabilities for extended-range surveillance and stri...
DJI has launched firmware updates for its Neo and Neo 2 camera drones, prompting users to check their DJI Fly app. The updates focus on fixing known issues rather than introducing major new features. Users of both drones are encouraged to keep their firmware current for optimal performance. These u...
DroneShield has launched a software update aimed at improving the capabilities of counter-drone operators. This update, set for Q4 2026, enhances detection, identification, tracking, and drone defeat without requiring new equipment. Key features include improved signal detection and camera-based cla...
The U.S. Army has been testing new counter-drone capabilities and tactics under Project Flytrap for over a year. This initiative aims to leverage uncrewed systems to enhance battlefield strategies, particularly in deceiving adversaries. Col. Timothy Price of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment highlighted the...
A new system, the Persistent Drone Operations Nanogrid, has been launched by Sesame Solar, Target Arm, and AG3 Labs. This innovative solution integrates renewable energy, autonomous robotics, and unmanned aircraft to facilitate continuous drone operations without the need for conventional fuel resup...
China has deployed troops alongside Russian forces for the Centre-2026 military exercise, which involved over 47,000 personnel in Chelyabinsk, Russia. This exercise aims to enhance battlefield coordination and test the integration of unmanned systems and precision weapons, reflecting lessons learned...
In a recent address, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth outlined a vision for establishing a new Autonomous Warfare Command. This initiative aims to expedite the integration of drones and robotic systems into the hands of servicemembers, enhancing operational capabilities. The significance of this prop...
In Kyiv, Russian jet-powered drones are evading Ukrainian air defenses, prompting manufacturers to rapidly develop new interceptors. These drones, which can travel at hundreds of kilometers per hour, are targeting critical infrastructure, exacerbating the challenges faced by Ukraine's war-torn econo...
Researchers at Delft University of Technology have developed a whisker-based tactile framework that allows tiny drones to navigate complex environments without relying on visual input. Inspired by the natural whiskers of rodents, this technology equips drones with artificial whiskers that provide re...
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are launching a new branch dedicated to unmanned systems and artificial intelligence, as announced by Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir. This initiative aims to adapt to the rapidly evolving battlefield, emphasizing the integration of robotics, drones, and AI technol...
Mouser Electronics has released a new eBook focusing on RF solutions tailored for modern applications such as drones, satellite communications, and industrial IoT. This resource highlights the evolving landscape of RF systems, emphasizing the need for higher speed, flexibility, and scalability in re...
On August 25, Auriga Space announced the successful completion of the first field test of Hermes, an electromagnetic launcher designed to target drones. The test took place in the Mojave Desert, where Hermes demonstrated its capability to launch projectiles at speeds exceeding Mach 1 without chemica...
A recent survey by the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) highlights the construction industry's reliance on Chinese-made drones, with 97.1% of drone-using member companies favoring DJI products. The survey indicates that 36% of respondents utilize drones for various operations, showcasing a...
The U.S. Air Force is pursuing a new family of aerial targets designed to replicate a wide range of airborne threats, including stealth fighters and UAV swarms. This initiative aims to create realistic yet cost-effective targets that can be routinely used and destroyed during testing, as outlined in...
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...
A Ukraine-based defense company, F-Drones, has introduced the LITAVR+ interceptor drone designed to target the Shahed kamikaze drones utilized by Russia in the ongoing conflict. The Shahed drones, developed in Iran, are favored by Russian forces due to their cost-effectiveness and precision in attac...
The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed new regulations that could effectively ban the sale of foreign-made agricultural spray drones, according to DJI. This move follows a December 2025 ruling that blocks new foreign models and components, significantly impacting the agricultura...
The U.S. Department of War’s Joint Interagency Task Force 401 has published a guide titled 'Small Drones, Big Problems: A First Principles Approach to Countering-UAS.' This document signals a significant shift in how government leaders perceive drones, advocating for a comprehensive understanding of...
The U.S. Department of Defense is initiating the Massed Modular Aircraft (MMA) program to develop low-cost combat drones capable of performing missions similar to the MQ-9A Reaper. This initiative reflects a strategic shift towards utilizing affordable, expendable drones in modern warfare, particula...
Federal investigators and public safety officials are responding to the theft of 15 agricultural spraying drones in New Jersey, an incident that has raised significant concerns about the misuse of drone technology. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is currently conducting an investigation into the...
The US government is enforcing import bans on various Chinese consumer gadgets, including drones, routers, and robots, citing national security concerns. This action follows a long-standing distrust of Chinese telecom equipment providers like Huawei and ZTE, which has led to an Entity List restricti...
Recent developments in electronic warfare, GPS denial, and battlefield attrition are creating new demands for small unmanned aerial systems (UAS). These evolving requirements are crucial for enhancing operational effectiveness in modern military engagements. As the landscape of warfare changes, th...
L3Harris Technologies is advancing a new missile interceptor designed to enhance the U.S. Army's capabilities against drones and aerial threats. This initiative is backed by a three-year agreement valued at up to $60 million, focusing on flight performance testing to address the growing challenges p...
DJI has announced new firmware updates for its Mini 5 Pro, Air 3S, and Mavic 4 Pro drones, focusing on fixing known issues rather than introducing new features. The updates also extend to older models like the Mavic Air 2 and Mini 2, ensuring all users have something to check in their DJI Fly apps....
Australia has unveiled advanced weaponry for its Ghost Shark robotic submarines, including naval mines and explosive aerial drones, as part of a strategic move to bolster its autonomous warfare capabilities. Defense Industry Minister Pat Conroy announced these enhancements on October 19, emphasizing...
Researchers from Shinshu University and Chiba University have developed a new hydrogel electrode that significantly prolongs the functionality of insect antennae as odor sensors. The hydrogel maintains over 92% of the antenna's initial signal for seven hours, addressing the common issue of drying ou...
A proposed federal bill, H.R. 10691, introduced by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on October 1, 2026, aims to restrict the use of automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) by government agencies. This legislation would require specific congressional authorization for federal agencies to access captured...
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reaffirmed that Russia is solely responsible for the ongoing war in Ukraine, as he committed to continuing drone strikes on Russian oil refineries. This statement came in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks suggesting Zelenskyy should be replaced...
Three US companies, Sesame Solar, Target Arm, and AG3 Labs, have introduced the first Made-in-USA Persistent Drone Operations Nanogrid. This innovative mobile system integrates power generation, autonomous drone launch and recovery, and configurable small drones to enhance operational efficiency in...
Research from The University of Texas at Austin reveals that autonomous drones searching for missing persons may only need to recalculate their routes two or three times to maximize efficiency. This finding challenges the notion that constant route adjustments are necessary for optimal performance d...
Lucid Bots has launched the Sherpa HighLine, a motorized rooftop pulley system designed to assist its Sherpa cleaning drone in tackling tall buildings. This innovative system was demonstrated at the Monarch Casino Resort Spa in Black Hawk, Colorado, where the drone successfully cleaned the exterior...
The FirstEnergy Foundation has awarded a $15,000 grant to Warren County Community College to enhance drone training for educators and police officers. This funding will support training for 20 high school STEM teachers and 10 police officers, preparing them for the FAA's Part 107 Remote Pilot Certif...
BAE Systems has launched a new family of electronic warfare systems, known as Shadow EW, designed to enhance the protection of small aircraft in contested airspace. This initiative responds to the increasing demand for compact electronic warfare solutions that can be integrated into space-constraine...
Italy has placed an order for two additional MQ-9A Reaper Block 5 drones from General Atomics, scheduled for delivery by the end of 2027. This decision comes despite the US Air Force's concerns regarding recent losses of the drone type in Iran, highlighting the ongoing partnership between Italy and...
Israeli physical AI firm XTEND has launched its AtlasROVER ground robot, marking its first delivery to a customer in the Asia-Pacific region. This deployment integrates XTEND’s XOS operating software, which is designed to unify control across various robotic platforms, including aerial and ground sy...
Japan's defense ministry has proposed a record budget of 8.89 trillion yen ($55.6 billion) for the upcoming fiscal year, focusing on advanced weaponry including Northrop Grumman's AGM-88G AARGM-ER anti-radar missile. This marks Japan's first interest in dedicated anti-radar capabilities, reflecting...
The U.S. Navy's Exercise Lanternfish 26 showcased the capabilities of ThayerMahan's ShorePicket and Outpost systems in detecting unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). These systems successfully tracked UUVs ranging from six inches to extra-large sizes, highlighting the importance of distributed acous...
Ultra Maritime demonstrated a new underwater surveillance system during the U.S. Navy’s 2026 Lanternfish exercise. The system integrates the Sea Spear passive sonar with the SSQ-125B active sonobuoy to enhance detection capabilities for unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). This combination allows fo...
Researchers at the Shibaura Institute of Technology in Japan have created a new platinum-free catalyst for lithium-oxygen batteries, addressing a significant barrier to their market entry. This innovation could enable electric vehicles to drive cross-country and drones to fly for extended periods, t...
China has introduced new export control measures affecting specific drones and related technologies bound for the United States, as announced by the Ministry of Commerce on August 5, 2026. These measures require stricter case-by-case reviews for exports already listed on China's dual-use export cont...
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