Industry Briefing
A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.
ePropelled Receives $60 Million U.S. Funding to Boost Drone Propulsion Manufacturing in New Hampshire
U.S. drone propulsion manufacturer ePropelled has announced a significant expansion of its manufacturing operations in New Hampshire, backed by $60 million in U.S. government funding. This initiative will increase the company's production space from 20,000 square feet to 80,000 square feet in Laconia, enhancing propulsion system production capacity by over four times. The funding, provided through the Department of War’s Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment program, aims to strengthen the U.S. industrial base and domestic production of critical technologies. ePropelled's expansion will enable the company to meet rising demand from government programs, allied nations, and commercial drone manufacturers, reflecting a growing focus on the components within drones. The new facility will introduce automated production lines and additional engineering resources, creating jobs in New Hampshire. ePropelled's CEO, Nick Grewal, emphasized the importance of this investment for both the company and the U.S. advanced manufacturing sector, as it aims to deliver reliable propulsion systems while supporting the government's domestic manufacturing objectives. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Drone Manufacturing Drone News Drone News Feeds News critical drone components Department of War
Odys Aviation and ST Engineering Collaborate on Hybrid-Electric Propulsion for DrN-600 Cargo Drone
Odys Aviation, based in the US, has partnered with Singapore's ST Engineering to develop a hybrid-electric propulsion system for the DrN-600 medium-lift cargo unmanned aircraft system (UAS). This collaboration aims to enhance the aircraft's range and efficiency, with a focus on validating the system's technical and commercial feasibility before advancing to a definitive development agreement. The partnership is significant as it seeks to extend the operational range of the DrN-600 beyond 186 miles (300 kilometers), improving endurance and mission performance. Teong Soo Soon, SVP & Head of ST Engineering’s Commercial Aerospace business, emphasized that hybrid-electric propulsion is a key pathway to enhance the aircraft's operational relevance. Looking ahead, the collaboration will evaluate the propulsion system architecture and develop a roadmap for large-scale production. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Transportation
ePropelled Launches SKYLARK Propulsion System to Enhance UAV Manufacturing Efficiency
ePropelled has unveiled its SKYLARK™ Series, an integrated propulsion system aimed at simplifying UAV manufacturing and enhancing aircraft performance. Introduced at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026, this product combines the motor and controller into a single unit, targeting light and medium duty unmanned aircraft. The design reduces wiring and assembly time, enabling manufacturers to create more compact aircraft or increase payload capacity. The significance of the SKYLARK™ Series lies in its potential to streamline production processes for drone manufacturers. As the industry shifts towards faster production and simpler supply chains, ePropelled's integrated approach addresses the demand for complete subsystems that maintain performance and reliability. This innovation is particularly relevant for defense, industrial, and commercial UAV applications, where manufacturers seek to enhance operational effectiveness without compromising on quality. Looking ahead, ePropelled aims to demonstrate the SKYLARK™ Series throughout the Farnborough International Airshow, focusing on high-power UAV applications and hybrid propulsion systems. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
brushless motors Drone News Drone News Feeds drone parts Europe Drone Industry News
ePropelled launches new integrated propulsion unit for agricultural drones
The agricultural drone market is experiencing rapid growth, prompting manufacturers to enhance their technology to secure a larger share of this expanding sector. Recently, a new drone unit featuring advanced propulsion and power technology has been introduced, aimed at significantly improving performance in agricultural applications. This innovation is expected to meet the increasing demand for efficient and effective farming solutions, as farmers seek to leverage UAVs for precision agriculture and crop management. The launch of this cutting-edge technology underscores the industry's commitment to advancing aerial capabilities in agriculture, ultimately enhancing productivity and sustainability in farming practices.
Drones autonomous technology drone technology precision agricultureRobotics needs a service framework.
RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.
Join the RobotToday community on LinkedIn
Daily robotics news, in-depth analysis, conference highlights, and discussions with professionals worldwide.
