Industry Briefing
A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.
U.S. Air Force Transforms Aircraft Inspections with Asylon's Robot Dog and Drones
The U.S. Air Force's Warner Robins Air Logistics Center has awarded Asylon a Phase III SBIR contract to advance the MARIA system, integrating the Guardian drone and DroneDog robot dog for automated aircraft inspections. This system allows for rapid digital mapping of aircraft, significantly reducing inspection time from days to hours while eliminating the risks associated with manual high-altitude checks. The collaboration between the DroneDog and Guardian drone enables comprehensive inspections, identifying anomalies and defects autonomously. The data is transmitted in real-time to the DroneIQ platform, allowing maintenance personnel to review results through 2D workflows or 3D digital twin views. The system's core value lies in its speed and consistency, ensuring that inspections cover the same points each time, thus minimizing the randomness of manual checks. Currently programmed for the Lockheed C-5 and C-130 aircraft, the long-term goal is to expand the system's capabilities across all Warner Robins aircraft types and the broader Air Force logistics framework. Asylon aims to enhance the MARIA system with advanced AI anomaly detection and explore humanoid fleet management for concurrent maintenance tasks.
Robotic Inspection Aerospace Technology Drone Technology Automation Military Logistics
SwissDrones Expands Long-Range Drone Inspection Platform for US Critical Infrastructure
SwissDrones Operating AG and its subsidiary Xplorate Pacific announced on August 7 their expansion of a long-range drone inspection platform into the United States. This initiative aims to support energy, utility, and transportation operators in managing critical infrastructure such as pipelines and powerlines across extensive areas. The significance of this expansion lies in addressing the limitations of small drones, which often lack the necessary range and payload capacity for inspecting long-linear assets. The integrated platform combines SwissDrones’ turbine-powered uncrewed helicopters with Xplorate’s expertise in beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations, enhancing operational capabilities for industrial customers. Looking ahead, the companies plan to introduce US programs under Federal Aviation Administration approvals as regulations evolve toward more routine BVLOS operations. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Innovation
Perceptual Robotics Secures Over £4 Million for Wind Turbine Inspection Drone Expansion
Perceptual Robotics, a Bristol-based drone company, has successfully raised over £4 million (approximately $5.3 million) as of July 28, 2026. This funding, which includes investment from Innovate UK, Loggerhead Ventures, One Planet Capital, and new investor Investing for Purpose, will be used to enhance its wind turbine inspection platform. The significance of this funding lies in its potential to bolster the company's capabilities in both onshore and offshore wind turbine inspections. Matthew Jellicoe from One Planet Capital highlighted the strong investor support and the company's momentum, indicating that Perceptual Robotics is well-positioned for expansion into various verticals over the next two years. Looking ahead, Perceptual Robotics aims to accelerate product development and deepen its offshore support. The company plans to leverage this funding to enhance its autonomous drones and AI services, which are crucial for managing wind turbine blade inspections and extending service life for operators. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Drone News Drone News Feeds Inspection News UK Drone Industry UK Drone Space
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
AI agents enhance autonomous inspections, revamping manual approval processes for drones and ground robots by DataRobot, Chevron, and NVIDIA.
DataRobot has announced a collaboration with Chevron U.S.A. Inc., a subsidiary of Chevron Corporation, to implement agent-based AI in edge environments. This partnership aims to enhance autonomous patrol and inspection operations at Chevron facilities. By leveraging advanced AI technology, the initiative seeks to improve operational efficiency and safety in the company's infrastructure.
QRIVAS: Quadruped Robot‐Based Intelligent Visual Acquisition System for Bridge Component Inspection
The Journal of Field Robotics has recently published an article in its EarlyView section, highlighting advancements in autonomous robotic technology. Researchers from various institutions have collaborated to explore innovative applications of robotics in field environments, focusing on enhancing efficiency and safety in tasks such as agriculture, search and rescue, and environmental monitoring. The study, released in October 2023, emphasizes the growing importance of robotics in addressing real-world challenges, particularly in remote or hazardous locations where human intervention may be limited. By employing advanced algorithms and machine learning techniques, the team demonstrated how these autonomous systems can navigate complex terrains and perform tasks with minimal human oversight. This research aims to pave the way for more widespread adoption of robotic solutions, ultimately improving productivity and reducing risks in various sectors.
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Perceptual Robotics Raises Funding to Automate Wind Turbine Inspection Drones
Perceptual Robotics, a Thessaloniki-based company, has successfully secured new funding to enhance its autonomous wind turbine inspection platform. The investment round, announced on May 5, 2026, was led by Loggerhead Ventures, with additional support from One Planet Capital. This financial backing aims to advance the development of AI-powered drones designed for wind farm maintenance, reflecting the growing demand for innovative solutions in renewable energy infrastructure. The funding will enable Perceptual Robotics to scale its operations and improve the efficiency of wind turbine inspections, ultimately contributing to the sustainability of wind energy production.
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