Industry Briefing
A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.
Vertical Aerospace Partners with Near Earth Autonomy for Valo Aircraft's Autonomous Flight Capabilities
Vertical Aerospace has partnered with Near Earth Autonomy to enhance its Valo aircraft with advanced autonomous flight capabilities. This collaboration aims to integrate Near Earth's autonomy software with Honeywell Aerospace's Anthem digital cockpit, facilitating the development of self-flying technology for defense and commercial aviation. The partnership is significant as it allows Vertical to leverage Near Earth's extensive experience in autonomous aviation, which includes systems developed for military applications. By utilizing a shared technology stack, the companies aim to reduce technical risks associated with expanding autonomous features in the Valo aircraft, which is designed for both defense and commercial markets. Looking ahead, Vertical plans to pursue defense programs while also preparing for automated commercial operations. The Valo aircraft, featuring hybrid-electric propulsion, is capable of flying up to 1,000 miles and carrying payloads of up to 2,400 pounds, making it a versatile option for various operational roles. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Transportation
US Air Force Receives First Collaborative Combat Aircraft for Autonomous Warfare Trials
The United States Air Force (USAF) has received its first two Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) designs, the YFQ-44A 'Fury' and YFQ-42A 'Vengeance', at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada. These aircraft will be tested for their operational capabilities alongside crewed fighters in contested airspace. The introduction of CCAs is significant as they are designed to be semi-autonomous and provide a cost-effective solution for missions in high-risk environments. They can carry payloads for offensive and defensive actions, allowing crewed aircraft like the F-35 to operate more safely while coordinating with the CCAs. Moving forward, the USAF will focus on operational experimentation with the CCAs, determining logistics such as the number of personnel required for operation and the optimal handling of multiple CCAs by a single pilot. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
AI and Robotics Military
Asylon's MARIA System Enhances Aircraft Inspections for U.S. Air Force
Asylon has secured a Phase Three contract with the U.S. Air Force's Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex to deploy its Multi-modal Autonomous Robotics for Inspection of Aircraft (MARIA) system. This initiative aims to streamline aircraft inspections by integrating air and ground robotic platforms, significantly reducing the time for general visual inspections while enhancing consistency in maintenance tasks. The MARIA system combines Asylon's Guardian unmanned aircraft with the DroneDog Q-UGV, utilizing the Range autonomy software and DroneIQ command-and-control system for efficient inspection management. The significance of this deployment lies in its potential to transform aircraft maintenance operations. By automating inspections, the MARIA system not only improves inspection quality but also mitigates the risks associated with labor-intensive tasks. The integration of imagery, LiDAR data, and telemetry into a single platform allows maintenance personnel to make informed decisions quickly, thereby enhancing aircraft readiness without increasing manpower demands. This project marks a pivotal shift in how the Air Force approaches maintenance, leveraging autonomous technologies to optimize operational efficiency. Looking ahead, the success of the MARIA deployment at Warner Robins could lead to broader adoption of these technologies across military maintenance organizations. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication, but the ongoing collaboration between Asylon and the Air Force may pave the way for future advancements in defense sustainment operations, particularly in the realm of autonomous inspections and maintenance support.
Military
3D-printed autonomous interceptor aircraft targets hostile drone swarms at 350 mph
Colorado-based SkyDefense has introduced CobraJet, an autonomous interceptor aircraft designed to stop hostile drones before...
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