A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.
Ukrainian forces successfully evacuated a wounded soldier using a heavy-lift drone, marking a significant milestone in unmanned medical evacuation. This operation, announced by Ukraine’s 92nd Separate Assault Brigade on October 19, is noted as the first documented instance of such a rescue from the...
Elroy Air has secured a $46 million multi-year contract from the US Army to enhance its autonomous hybrid-electric VTOL cargo drone, the Chaparral. This contract aims to improve the drone's capabilities in challenging military environments, focusing on modular cargo delivery and operational efficien...
Powerus, a Florida-based manufacturer of heavy-lift drones, has launched a new agriculture division under its subsidiary Kaizen Aerospace. This initiative aims to market its products both in the United States and internationally, addressing the growing demand for agricultural drones. Powerus has par...
Avidrone Aerospace, a Canadian drone manufacturer, recently won a contest organized by a U.S. Department of Defense agency, achieving a remarkable payload-to-weight ratio of 3.84:1 at the DARPA Lift Challenge in Dayton, Ohio. This competition required drones to weigh 55 pounds or less while lifting...
The AUSA 2026 exhibition showcased a notable decline in heavy armour presence, emphasizing a shift towards 4x4 mobility solutions and FPV drone strike munitions. This transition reflects evolving military strategies that prioritize agility and precision in combat scenarios. The reduced focus on hea...
The DARPA Lift Challenge is currently underway, featuring a variety of unique heavy-lift drone designs. This event showcases the latest advancements in drone technology, with several overview videos highlighting the innovative approaches taken by participants. The significance of the DARPA Lift Cha...
In a recent episode of the Drone Radio Show, Michael Abdelmaseh, Head Engineer at PyroDelta Energy, discussed the company's innovative Capillary Casting process. This patented technology aims to harness waste heat, a largely untapped energy source in aviation, to produce solid-state thermoelectric g...
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has launched a challenge aimed at developing heavy-lift drones capable of carrying payloads exceeding four times their weight. This initiative addresses the current limitations of multirotor UAVs, which typically have low payload-to-weight ratios...
Ørsted has successfully completed a trial of a large cargo delivery drone at its Hornsea 2 offshore wind farm in the North Sea. The trial aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using drones to replace traditional sea vessel trips for maintenance operations, demonstrating the capability to deliver payl...
A British uncrewed submarine successfully launched a U.S. Mk 48 heavyweight torpedo during a joint test on September 13 at the British Underwater Test and Evaluation Center in Scotland. This trial, part of the AUKUS partnership, aims to advance armed underwater drone technology for both nations. Th...
Robinson Unmanned has made significant strides in the U.S. unmanned defense and logistics sector, showcasing its R44 AIRTRUCK in recent demonstrations. The cargo helicopter successfully completed two days of flights at Acadiana Regional Airport in Louisiana, performing various operations such as car...
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...
In Guangxi, China, heavy-lift drones have been deployed to rescue flood victims by airlifting individuals, defying standard safety protocols. This operation highlights the capabilities of the trillion-yuan low-altitude economy, which is becoming increasingly significant in emergency response scenari...
KAIST has unveiled its latest humanoid robot, Humanoid v0.9, which can push objects weighing up to 35 kg and lift items up to 20 kg. This was showcased in a demonstration video released on October 19, highlighting the robot's ability to manipulate objects while arranging the letters 'KAIST'. The si...
The US Army's Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) has formed a partnership with the Global Tactical Edge Acquisition Directorate (G-TEAD) to conduct tests on drone-defense systems in Africa. This collaboration is significant as it aims to bolster the military's capabilities in counterin...
Skyports Drone Services is deploying fully automated Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drones for the HumeLink West power lines project in New South Wales, Australia. This initiative is part of Transgrid's HumeLink project, which aims to enhance Australia's electricity network by constructing appr...
A pilot from the US Air Force successfully directed an uncrewed YFQ-44A Fury drone during a flight, marking a significant advancement in military aviation. This demonstration, which took place in October 2026, showcased the potential for crewed fighters to command autonomous drones, enhancing combat...
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...
The US Army is progressing with its Enduring-High Energy Laser (E-HEL) program, aimed at developing high-energy laser weapons to combat drone threats on the battlefield. This initiative focuses on creating modular systems that can be easily transferred between various military vehicles, enhancing ai...
A drone attack has struck an industrial facility located in the Surgut district of Russia, which is known for its oil and gas assets. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and security concerns in the region, particularly related to critical infrastructure. The attack on the Surgut industri...
A series of drone strikes targeting at least seven cargo vessels in the Black Sea has raised alarms among NATO members, particularly Romania and Bulgaria. These incidents, which have resulted in two fatalities and left 25 individuals missing, are perceived as potential provocations by Russia, testin...
The U.S. Department of Defense is significantly increasing its investment in autonomous systems, with recent contracts awarded to various companies for drone production and AI-piloted aircraft. Notably, Orqa U.S. secured a $38 million contract for the Drone Dominance Gauntlet II program, while Shiel...
Skyports Drone Services has initiated automated beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone operations to oversee the construction of the HumeLink West electricity transmission project in Australia. This innovative deployment enables the collection of aerial survey data without the need for on-site dr...
Amazon's initiative to expand drone delivery services into Massachusetts is encountering significant resistance from local residents and lawmakers. On October 14, four members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation urged for a comprehensive environmental review before Amazon initiates operati...
Rownd, a defense autonomy startup, has obtained a $10 million contract from the Department of War to advance its development of low-cost, autonomous drones for military use. This initiative is part of Rownd's strategy to create attritable mass, allowing military forces to deploy affordable drones th...
Poland's Air Force is currently operating at peak readiness due to ongoing threats from Russian drones, as stated by Maj. Gen. Ireneusz Nowak. With 80 percent of their focus on air defense, the modernization of Poland's integrated air defenses is still three to four years away, leaving the Air Force...
The US military, as articulated by Col. Dustin Thomas of DCMA, is focusing on optimizing its drone inventory and training programs to maximize combat effectiveness. This initiative is crucial for ensuring that resources are utilized efficiently, providing the best value for military expenditures. B...
On July 17, 2026, Sumitomo Forestry and Mazex announced the introduction of the Karusuke series of forestry cargo drones, aimed at enhancing smart forestry in Japan. The Karusuke 25 drone offers the same payload capacity as the Morito 25 but at a reduced price and smaller size, making it more access...
Dismounted soldiers face significant threats in modern battlespaces dominated by drones, sensors, and advanced targeting systems. In a recent discussion at AUSA, Luke Savoie, President and CEO of Twenty Six Defense, highlighted the critical requirements for soldiers to maintain their lethality, conn...
DareRobot, a company specializing in embodied intelligence robotics for heavy industry, has successfully completed a Pre-A+ funding round worth hundreds of millions of yuan. Investors in this round include Fosun RZ Capital, Qingshi Asset Management, Zhengxi Capital, Xigao Investment, Bozhon Precisio...
On October 13, two cargo vessels were targeted in drone strikes, marking a continuation of escalating attacks on maritime traffic in the western Black Sea. This incident highlights the growing tensions in the region, with Bulgaria pointing to Russia as the responsible party behind these assaults. T...
Powerus has launched the Guardian-3, a fully autonomous drone interceptor, marking a significant advancement in counter-drone technology. This third-generation system aims to minimize human operator involvement, building on the semi-autonomous capabilities of its predecessor, the Guardian-2. While t...
Powerus Corporation has introduced the Guardian-3, a counter-drone interceptor capable of transitioning from vertical hovering to forward flight autonomously. This third-generation aircraft was showcased at the Association of the United States Army’s 2026 Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., highligh...
The Association of the United States Army conference continued in Washington, D.C., showcasing a variety of drones and counter-drone systems. Among the exhibits was an amphibious robot designed to transport ground robots across water, highlighting advancements in military robotics. As the event pr...
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently claimed that drone strikes targeting Russian data centers, specifically those of Yandex, have diminished disinformation efforts from Russian bot farms. He noted a perceived reduction in hate and division on social media platforms following the strikes...
AEVEX Corp. has introduced its Specter jet-powered drone at the AUSA annual meeting in Washington, D.C. This aircraft represents a significant advancement in the U.S. military's one-way attack drone initiatives, following the development of the Phoenix Ghost family sent to Ukraine in 2022. Designed...
The USS Ohio has been fitted with the DRAKE jammer, enhancing its capability to detect and disrupt drones when surfacing. This advancement underscores the U.S. Navy's commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology into its operations. The implementation of the DRAKE jammer is significant as it a...
International defense companies showcased a range of air and ground vehicles at the Association of the United States Army conference held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. This annual trade show, the largest in the U.S., attracts thousands of attendees, with a strong...
Harris Aerial, founded by Ben Harris in 2014, specializes in manufacturing heavy-lift drones, distinguishing itself in a market dominated by smaller UAVs. The company began in a college apartment and has since evolved into a leading producer of American-made drones, focusing on the heavy-lift sector...
The US Army's AH-64 Apache helicopters, guided by Sentinel radar technology, successfully engaged and downed three drones during a recent air-to-air test. This operation demonstrates the effectiveness of integrating advanced radar systems with combat helicopters, enhancing their capabilities in dron...
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...
Ukrainian defense technology firm Buntar Aerospace has successfully raised $16 million in a recent funding round aimed at expanding its production capabilities and developing autonomous systems. This investment increases the company's total capital to $30 million, allowing it to leverage its experie...
Recent developments highlight the importance of drones in autonomous warfare, particularly in executing one-way attacks. These systems are designed to operate independently while maintaining connectivity with their units, which is essential for effective multi-domain operations. The integration of...
As the Army approaches AUSA 2026, it does so under new leadership, raising questions about the future of its modernization agenda. Acting Army Secretary Adam Telle and acting service chief Gen. Christopher LaNeve are expected to address these concerns, particularly regarding the integration of new t...
The American Spray Drone Coalition (ASDC) reports that the US agricultural spray drone market is currently experiencing significant uncertainty due to recent FCC regulations. Following a decision to ban sales of new foreign-made drones and components, the market has been further complicated by propo...
Ørsted has successfully conducted a four-week cargo drone trial at its Hornsea 2 offshore wind farm in the North Sea, in collaboration with Skyports Drone Services. The trial involved transporting maintenance kits weighing up to 65 kilograms (143 pounds) between a service vessel and turbine tops, ma...
EOS Defense Systems USA is advancing its Slinger counter-drone system, integrating upgraded sensors and selectable autonomy. This next-generation system combines a 30mm cannon, targeting radar, and advanced stabilization, nearing the end of its development phase. Production is set to begin in Huntsv...
A recent case before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit could clarify the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) authority regarding previously approved equipment. The case, Hikvision USA, Inc. v. FCC, challenges a 2025 FCC order related to the agency's Covered List, which may impact...
Beam Global has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire ScoutDI, a Norwegian industrial drone company, for approximately $24 million. This acquisition aims to enhance Beam's capabilities in manufacturing inspection drones in the United States, leveraging ScoutDI's advanced drone systems and A...
Drone Industry Insights (DII) launched the ASTRA Intelligence platform on October 6, 2026, featuring over 1,500 companies and 6,500 products from 68 countries. This searchable platform aims to streamline connections within the mobile robot ecosystem by allowing buyers, suppliers, investors, and poli...
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