A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.
Global Ordnance has entered into a master supply agreement with Sparkz to produce drone battery packs specifically for the US military. This collaboration aims to enhance the capabilities of military drones by ensuring a reliable supply of advanced battery technology. The partnership is significant...
China has revised its export controls on certain drones, components, and related technologies, with changes announced on October 19, 2026, set to take effect on November 18. The updated rules modify technical criteria for products requiring export authorization and introduce simplified licensing pro...
Badland Batteries inaugurated its 80,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Fargo, North Dakota, on October 8, 2026. This plant will produce lithium-ion pouch cells specifically for drones, defense platforms, and autonomous systems, utilizing domestic and allied raw materials. The grand opening w...
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...
SOLARTODO's SKYHUB product manual, Revision 1.3, released on September 27, 2026, outlines the STT-HUB1101 independent exchange hangar designed for the STT 1S MAX aircraft. This system is paired with matched battery modules to facilitate automatic battery exchanges. The introduction of the STT-HUB11...
A drone with a wingspan of five meters, named Pegasus, successfully flew for nearly two hours in Queensland, powered by a single lithium-sulfur battery pack. During its trial, it covered over 75 kilometers (approximately 47 miles) while still retaining power reserves. This achievement signifies a si...
The U.S. Department of War has granted Amprius Technologies up to $75 million to convert an electric vehicle battery production line into a facility for drone batteries. This retrofit, located in Fremont, California, aims to produce high-energy-density cells for unmanned aerial systems, with a proje...
Amprius Technologies has been awarded a federal grant of up to $75 million to enhance the production of batteries for unmanned aerial systems in the U.S. This funding will facilitate the conversion of an existing electric vehicle battery production line to manufacture high-energy-density cells for v...
Rincell, a U.S. battery cell manufacturer based in Fremont, California, introduced its RC50T tabless 21700 lithium-ion cell at DroneX in London on September 29-30, 2026. This cell, compliant with the NDAA, is designed for high-load drone operations and is already being shipped to manufacturers. The...
A battery-powered drone has set a new world endurance record by flying for over eight hours in desert conditions. This achievement was made possible by propulsion components assembled at the Army’s organic industrial base, specifically two brushless direct current motors from Tobyhanna Army Depot. T...
In 2016, Michael Mazur and Adam Wiśniewski predicted the drone-powered solutions market would reach $127.3 billion. A decade later, they assess the accuracy of their forecast, noting that infrastructure applications have indeed become the largest segment, valued at $45.2 billion. They emphasize that...
Inspired Flight, a U.S. drone manufacturer, is adapting to new restrictions on foreign technology by implementing an open aircraft platform strategy. Co-founder Adam Bilmes emphasized the importance of flexibility, allowing operators to utilize various payloads without being limited to proprietary s...
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...
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...
China has seen a significant increase in drone exports to emerging economies this year, driven by rising demand for civilian uses such as agriculture and surveying. This surge in exports comes as the country seeks to offset declining sales in the United States, highlighting a shift in market dynamic...
The U.S. Department of War has awarded Kaizen a $15 million contract to create a digital marketplace for validated counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) technologies. This platform, developed for the Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF-401), aims to streamline the procurement process for mil...
Terra Drone Corporation announced on July 27, 2026, its plans to mass-produce cylindrical-cell battery packs in Japan. This initiative aims to reduce reliance on Chinese suppliers and cater to NDAA-compliant defense customers. The company will utilize these battery packs for its own industrial and d...
Blue Water Autonomy and Saildrone have initiated legal action against the U.S. Navy, asserting that their submissions met the requirements for the new MUSV marketplace. The lawsuits highlight the companies' contention that their proposals were compliant with the Navy's specifications, which is cruci...
DJI has unveiled its DJI Dock 4, which automates battery swapping for its drones, achieving a remarkable 25-second turnaround time. This innovation allows drones to return to the air quickly without the need for onboard recharging, enhancing operational efficiency for various sectors. The significa...
Utah-based drone manufacturer Vector has announced significant advancements in its defense drone portfolio, including a Phase III selection in the U.S. Special Operations Command's Modular Kinetic Drone program and the Hammer quadcopter's designation on the DCMA Blue List. These developments undersc...
Aselsan, a state-backed defense company, has announced the deployment of its Korkut gun system, which is priced at $10,000, in nine countries. This move highlights the growing interest in affordable drone defense solutions in the global market. The deployment of the Korkut system is significant as...
German drone manufacturer Quantum Systems announced that its experimental battery-powered drone, the Apex Recordhunter, reached a speed of 483 mph (777 km/h) during a record attempt. This achievement, while not yet officially confirmed, could set a new benchmark for battery-electric drones, surpassi...
Zone 5's CEO Thomas Akers announced that the company's acquisition by Norwegian defense firm Kongsberg marks a significant advancement for the startup. This acquisition enhances Zone 5's capabilities, allowing it to offer a range of products from a reusable drone interceptor to a low-cost cruise mis...
DJI has introduced the DJI Dock 4, its first drone-in-a-box solution, featuring a 25-second automated battery swap capability. This innovation allows operators to enhance situational awareness by quickly deploying drones in response to alerts, providing real-time context for ground crews. The signi...
The US military is increasingly demanding more from its unmanned systems, which are limited by current battery energy capacities. As Brig. Gen. Troy Denomy noted, the energy challenges faced by these systems are significant, with every pound of weight requiring more energy to lift. Innovations in hi...
Wing and Walmart have selected the Denver and Seattle metropolitan areas for their upcoming drone delivery services, set to launch in 2027. This expansion will add two significant markets to their existing network, which already serves over three million customers across nearly 20 U.S. metro areas....
Utopia Compression, a technology firm with over 20 years in the defense sector, is entering the commercial UAV and advanced air mobility markets with AI-based software solutions. Their technology, validated by clients like the U.S. Air Force and Navy, enhances situational awareness for drone operato...
Amprius Technologies has been awarded a grant from the US Department of War, potentially reaching $75 million, aimed at enhancing domestic battery production for unmanned aerial systems (UAS). This funding is significant as it underscores the importance of local manufacturing capabilities for UAS b...
ABZ Innovation has launched a new drone factory in Szentendre, Hungary, to meet rising demand, particularly in the U.S. market. The company faced challenges due to the FCC's Covered List, which restricts foreign-produced drones, prompting ABZ to shift its production strategy to comply with U.S. regu...
QBit Semiconductor, a Taiwan-based fabless IC design leader, announced its roadmap for robotics and drone chipsets at SEMICON Taiwan 2026. This initiative focuses on integrating Physical AI control capabilities, particularly through their QB88XX series, which includes advanced motion control and ima...
At the Eurosatory exhibition held in mid-June in Villepinte, France, Eurenco announced its plans to enter the drone market by producing specific military explosive heads. The company stated it is capable of manufacturing between 10,000 and 15,000 explosive heads per month. This move is significant...
The Commercial UAV Expo 2026 is set to take place from September 1-3 at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas, attracting over 3,700 professionals from all 50 states and various countries. This event comes at a pivotal time for the U.S. commercial drone industry, with new tariffs and an overhaul of the FCC Cov...
Li-S Energy, an Australian battery developer, has delivered lithium-sulfur battery cells to the US Army for independent testing. This marks the first instance of the company's technology being evaluated by a US government agency, specifically by the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command C5...
As of August 6, 2026, the Apellix B2 stands out among purpose-built commercial cleaning drones, boasting a working height of 195 feet and a maximum flight time of 32 minutes. The growing trend of using drones for exterior cleaning is reshaping the industry, as it reduces the need for traditional sca...
Larsen & Toubro (L&T) anticipates that its drone division will triple its revenue over the next five years, reflecting a significant shift in the drone industry. This forecast indicates that large industrial manufacturers are increasingly dominating the drone market, moving away from the startup-cen...
The Air Force has initiated a research project to explore wireless power beaming for drones, led by Reach Power and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s NIMBUS Lab. This effort aims to enable unmanned aircraft to operate longer without needing battery swaps, enhancing their role in military communic...
Japanese startups are increasingly engaging in defense drone production, driven by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's initiative to reduce reliance on China and bolster local manufacturing capabilities. This shift highlights the strategic importance of drones in modern warfare, as evidenced by the P1-S...
Sila has successfully raised $300 million in private funding aimed at expanding its silicon-carbon battery anode technology production in the United States. This investment will bolster manufacturing capacity at its Moses Lake, Washington facility, facilitating a Phase 2 expansion and accelerating t...
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is advancing its initiative to reform the U.S. drone market by seeking public input on a proposed ban on the import, marketing, or sale of specific categories of foreign-produced military-grade drones listed on its Covered List. This move follows a previou...
Re:Build Manufacturing has initiated direct commercial sales of its new lithium-ion battery packs designed for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This product line includes the Core, Power, and Performance series, which cater to various energy configuration needs. The launch is part of a broader manuf...
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has initiated a crackdown on eight companies suspected of facilitating DJI's circumvention of the US foreign drone ban. Each company, including Cogito Tech and Xtra Technology, has been fined $25,000 for failing to respond to FCC inquiries regarding their...
The drone industry is undergoing significant changes as manufacturers are compelled to rethink their battery supply chains due to new compliance requirements. Howard Alt, CEO of Micantis, emphasizes that the shift away from reliance on Chinese battery cells presents an opportunity for drone OEMs to...
The 12th edition of the Commercial UAV Expo took place from September 1-3, 2026, at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas, attracting 3,800 professionals and over 250 exhibiting companies. This marked the largest turnout in the event's history, highlighting the industry's focus on navigating significant regula...
Onomichi Dockyard, a Japanese shipbuilder, has announced plans to start constructing uncrewed surface vessels. The company aims to supply these vessels to Japan's Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military, marking a significant step into dual-use technologies that serve both civilian and military pu...
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...
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking aimed at prohibiting the importation and marketing of products from nine companies linked to restricted drone manufacturers. This move is part of the FCC's ongoing efforts to prevent foreign drone products from...
In this guest post, Micantis co-founder and CEO Howard Alt argues that batteries, not aircraft, may be the defining factor in the future of the U.S. drone industry. As demand for drones grows across commercial, public safety, and defense applications, he contends that battery manufacturing and suppl...
Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), a prominent U.S. military shipbuilder, has successfully delivered the first REMUS 130 unmanned underwater vehicle. This significant milestone was achieved as part of HII's commitment to advancing maritime technology. The delivery took place in October 2023, showc...
A recent report from the Tokyo-based Market Research Center, in collaboration with the Japan UAS Industrial Development Association (JUIDA), projects that Japan's agriculture drone market will reach $357.8 million by 2034. The report estimates the market's value at $104.8 million in 2025 and anticip...
Drone Industry Insights (DII), a prominent research and intelligence provider in the global drone market, has launched the 9th edition of its Global Drone Survey. This initiative, which is recognized as the largest annual data-collection effort for the drone industry, invites participation from a di...
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