Articles tagged with "autonomous-flight"
Skyryse lands another $300M to make flying, even helicopters, simple and safe
Skyryse, an aviation automation startup based in El Segundo, California, has secured over $300 million in a Series C funding round led by Autopilot Ventures, elevating its valuation to $1.15 billion and granting it unicorn status. The capital infusion will support the company as it nears the completion of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification process for its flight control system, SkyOS. This operating system, designed to simplify and enhance flight safety, automates complex and hazardous aspects of flying while still requiring pilot oversight. Skyryse has successfully integrated SkyOS into various aircraft, including U.S. military Black Hawk helicopters, and has contracts with companies such as United Rotorcraft, Air Methods, and Mitsubishi Corporation. Founded in 2016, Skyryse has raised more than $605 million in equity capital to date and has attracted a broad investor base, including Fidelity Management, Qatar Investment Authority, and others. The company’s technology replaces traditional mechanical flight controls with automated flight computers
robotaviation-automationflight-control-systemautonomous-flighthelicopter-technologySkyOSFAA-certificationHOVERAir AQUA brings AI-powered tracking to water-based drone filming
Zero Zero Robotics has introduced the HOVERAir AQUA, a fully waterproof, self-flying drone designed specifically for water-based filming, targeting watersports and outdoor recreation enthusiasts. Unlike conventional drones, AQUA can take off from and land directly on water, featuring an IP67-rated waterproof and buoyant design that enables operation in wet and unpredictable environments. Equipped with AI-powered tracking, a 4K camera capable of 100 fps recording, and a hydrophobic lens, the drone can capture high-quality footage hands-free while following users in third-person view. It supports speeds up to 55 km/h, withstands level-7 wind conditions, and offers up to 23 minutes of flight time, making it suitable for activities like wakesurfing, kayaking, and sailing. The AQUA drone includes over 10 smart flight modes, such as Snorkel and Mount Modes, to enhance filming versatility on and around water. A wearable Lighthouse controller allows for easy takeoff, landing, and mode switching
robotdroneAI-trackingwaterproof-technologyaerial-filmingautonomous-flightwatersports-technologyPhotos: World-first drone with AI sight helps first responders see through fog, rain
Chinese drone manufacturer GDU introduced the UAV-P300 at CES 2026, marketing it as the world’s first AI-powered drone capable of penetrating fog and rain to enhance visibility for first responders and other professional users. The UAV-P300 improves image clarity by up to 50 percent in poor weather conditions and supports operations in smoke, fog, or rain that typically ground drones. It features a 50-megapixel wide-angle sensor, advanced starlight night vision, full-color 4K night imaging, and an IRCut switch with near-infrared illumination, enabling effective use from daylight through complete darkness. Its imaging capabilities are complemented by an 11x optical zoom and up to 176x hybrid zoom stabilized by a gimbal, allowing detailed observation from a safe distance. The drone also incorporates an AI-enhanced thermal imaging module for detecting heat sources and movement, aiding search and rescue and infrastructure monitoring. Navigation is supported by LIDAR and AI obstacle recognition for safe flight in dense urban
robotAIdroneautonomous-flightsmart-citythermal-imagingLIDARPhotos: First pilot-free eVTOL flies in US, paves way for everyday air travel
Wisk Aero’s Generation 6 (Gen 6) eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft achieved a significant milestone on December 16, 2025, by completing its first fully autonomous passenger flight at the company’s Hollister, California test facility. This flight marks the first FAA type certification candidate for a fully autonomous, passenger-carrying eVTOL in the U.S. Developed over more than a decade through six generations, the Gen 6 is designed from the ground up for autonomy, replacing traditional pilot controls with a “Multi-Vehicle Supervisor” system that allows a single ground operator to monitor multiple aircraft simultaneously. This autonomy-first approach aims to reduce costs and improve safety by minimizing human error. The Gen 6 eVTOL cruises at 120 knots (138 mph) and operates up to 4,000 feet altitude, carrying four passengers plus luggage. Its design features six dedicated lift rotors and six convertible lift/thrust rotors on a 50-foot
robotautonomous-flighteVTOLaviation-technologydrone-technologyflight-control-systemselectric-aircraftChina's hydrogen drone sets new world record with 117-mile flight
China’s Tianmushan-1 hydrogen fuel cell drone set a new world record for the longest multirotor flight, covering 117.17 miles (188.605 km) during a four-hour mission on November 16, 2025. This achievement was officially verified and certified by Guinness World Records, marking a significant milestone in clean aviation. Developed by Beihang University’s Tianmushan Laboratory, the drone demonstrated stable propulsion and consistent handling throughout the flight, fulfilling all standards for distance, endurance, and system integrity. The Tianmushan-1, introduced in August 2024 and entering production in April 2025, features a 63-inch wheelbase, weighs 41.9 pounds empty, and can carry up to 13.2 pounds of payload. It boasts an endurance of up to 240 minutes without payload and operates reliably across a wide temperature range (−40°C to 50°C). Its capability to conduct 62-mile (100 km) beyond-visual
robothydrogen-fuel-celldrone-technologyclean-energyautonomous-flightlong-endurancemultirotor-aircraftPhotos: World’s first 8K 360 drone, Antigravity A1, launches with immersive VR controls
The Antigravity A1 drone, launched globally in late 2025, is touted as the world’s first all-in-one 8K 360-degree drone featuring immersive VR controls. It captures ultra-high-resolution 360-degree footage using a dual-lens system and advanced stitching technology that removes the drone’s body from the video in real time. This allows users to reframe and edit shots after flight, providing creative flexibility without needing to aim the camera mid-air. The drone’s lightweight design, under 250 grams, makes it portable and compliant with many regional drone regulations, including the EU’s C0 classification. The A1 introduces a novel FreeMotion flight control system using VR-style Vision goggles and a Grip controller, enabling pilots to navigate through head movements and hand gestures for a natural flying experience. It also supports traditional FPV manual control. Autonomous flight modes like Sky Genie and Sky Path automate complex maneuvers and custom routes, while Deep Track keeps subjects centered in the frame. Safety features
robotdroneautonomous-flightVR-controlsimmersive-technologyaerial-photographylightweight-designChina conducts combat tests of unmanned helicopter at 13,100 feet
China is advancing its high-altitude unmanned aviation capabilities with the Moyujian reconnaissance and strike helicopter, developed by Sichuan Tengden Technology. Recently showcased at the Asia General Aviation Exhibition in Zhuhai, the Moyujian has successfully completed live-fire tests at altitudes above 13,100 feet (4,000 meters), demonstrating its ability to operate reliably in challenging plateau environments. Designed for multiple roles—including reconnaissance, precision strikes, communications relay, emergency rescue, and forest fire prevention—the helicopter supports both high-altitude and maritime missions, boasting a maximum range of 621 miles (1,000 km), a flight time of nine hours, and a service ceiling of 23,600 feet (7,200 meters). The next phase of testing will push the Moyujian to operate beyond visual line of sight using satellite communication at altitudes exceeding 19,600 feet (6,000 meters), requiring enhanced engine performance and data link reliability. Its design addresses the unique challenges of the Tibetan
robotunmanned-aerial-vehiclehigh-altitude-dronemilitary-technologyreconnaissance-helicopterautonomous-flightaerospace-engineeringJoby Aviation makes ‘corporate espionage’ claims in lawsuit against rival Archer
Joby Aviation has filed a lawsuit against rival Archer Aviation, accusing Archer of corporate espionage involving stolen trade secrets. The complaint alleges that George Kivork, a former Joby employee who joined Archer, exfiltrated confidential Joby documents containing sensitive information on partnerships, business strategies, vertiport infrastructure, and aircraft operations shortly before resigning. Joby claims Archer used this stolen information to approach one of Joby’s strategic partners and interfere with its business. The lawsuit characterizes these actions as "planned and premeditated" corporate espionage, forcing Joby to seek legal protection for its proprietary information. Archer strongly denies the allegations, with its chief legal officer Eric Lentell calling the lawsuit baseless and an attempt by Joby to distract from its own weaknesses. Archer contends that the accused employee was non-technical and that no specific trade secrets or evidence of misappropriation have been identified. The company also emphasizes its rigorous employee onboarding procedures designed to prevent such issues and acc
electric-aviationair-taxisVTOL-aircrafthybrid-electric-propulsionautonomous-flightaerospace-technologycorporate-espionageNew algorithm lets drones transport heavy objects together in remote areas
Researchers at TU Delft have developed a novel algorithm enabling multiple drones to collaboratively lift, transport, and precisely control the orientation of heavy payloads via cables. This system addresses the limitations of single drones, which have restricted load capacities, by coordinating several drones to carry heavier objects and adapt in real time to changing payload dynamics and external disturbances such as wind or sudden movements. Unlike traditional control methods that are slow and rigid, this new algorithm offers fast, flexible, and robust control without needing sensors on the payload itself, significantly enhancing operational agility. The algorithm employs a trajectory-based framework that solves the kinodynamic motion planning problem online, accounting for the dynamic coupling between drones and the load. Real-world lab experiments demonstrated that the system achieves at least eight times greater acceleration than existing methods, enabling agile maneuvers even with complex payloads. Currently tested indoors using motion capture cameras, the team aims to adapt the technology for outdoor use, targeting applications in remote construction, agriculture, and search and rescue. The autonomous drones require
roboticsdronesmulti-agent-systemspayload-transportcontrol-algorithmsautonomous-flightdrone-coordinationFrom relics to robots: China turns Soviet jets into supersonic drones
China has converted its large stockpile of retired Soviet-era J-6 fighter jets, copies of the MiG-19 produced from the 1960s to 1980s, into supersonic unmanned combat drones. These drones, publicly unveiled at the Changchun Air Show in September 2025, retain the J-6’s Mach 1.3 speed and roughly 435-mile combat range but are now equipped with autonomous flight control, autopilot, and terrain-matching navigation systems. The conversion removes crew-related systems and adds weapon stations, enabling the drones to carry about 550 pounds of ordnance. With an estimated inventory of around 3,000 airframes, China’s program offers a cost-effective way to deploy massed drone attacks, particularly in a potential conflict over Taiwan. Military analysts express concern over the strategic implications of these drones, which could be used in large swarms for saturation strikes or as decoys to expose air defense sites. Taiwanese commentators warn that intercept
robotdronesmilitary-technologyautonomous-flightsupersonic-dronesunmanned-aerial-vehiclesdefense-systemsOlympic Air Taxi Sets Record Flight
Archer Aviation’s electric air taxi, named Midnight, recently achieved a record-setting flight during testing in California. This milestone demonstrates significant progress in the vehicle’s performance and reliability as the company advances toward obtaining FAA certification. The successful test flight is a critical step in Archer’s preparation to deploy its air taxi service for the 2026 Los Angeles Olympic Games. The company aims to provide innovative urban air mobility solutions during the event, highlighting the potential for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to transform transportation in congested cities.
robotelectric-air-taxiurban-air-mobilityArcher-Aviationautonomous-flightaviation-technologydrone-taxiTiny maple seed-inspired drone flies for 26 minutes with one rotor
Researchers at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), led by Associate Professor Foong Shaohui, have developed a tiny monocopter drone inspired by the natural flight mechanics of maple tree seeds (samaras). This lightweight, 32-gram drone, named SG60, achieves fully controllable, autonomous flight for 26 minutes using a single rotor, setting a new endurance record for drones of its size. Unlike its predecessor, the larger and more complex SG50 multi-rotor drone, the SG60 employs a simple, efficient design that generates lift through a spinning winged body, leveraging passive stability and aerodynamic principles observed in nature. The drone’s design was optimized through a data-driven process that fine-tuned wing shape, pitch, and mass distribution, resulting in a power loading of 9.1 grams per watt—outperforming similar micro air vehicles. Its simplicity, long flight time, and low weight make it suitable for cost-effective, long-duration missions such as
droneroboticsautonomous-flightbiomimicryaerodynamicsmicro-air-vehiclesenergy-efficiencyWorld's first two-ton VTOL drone completes cargo delivery in China
China has achieved a significant milestone by completing the world’s first offshore cargo delivery using a two-ton electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing (eVTOL) drone, the V2000CG CarryAll. Developed by Shanghai-based Autoflight, this unmanned aircraft transported fresh fruit and emergency medical supplies 150 kilometers over open water from Shenzhen to a China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) platform in just 58 minutes. The all-electric drone combines helicopter-style vertical lift with fixed-wing cruise efficiency, carrying up to 400 kilograms at speeds of about 124 miles per hour and covering distances up to 124 miles on a single charge, all while producing zero in-flight emissions. This innovation drastically reduces offshore supply transit times from over 10 hours by boat to approximately one hour, offering lower operating costs, faster response times, and the ability to land in confined spaces. The V2000CG’s successful mission and recent certification mark a key step in China’s push to commercialize large-scale
droneeVTOLelectric-aircraftcargo-deliveryoffshore-logisticsautonomous-flightenergy-efficient-transportationTurkey revives the Ekranoplan as a smart, sea-skimming drone
Turkey has revived the Soviet-era wing-in-ground-effect (WIG) vehicle concept with its new TALAY drone, developed by SolidAERO. Unlike the massive, manned Ekranoplans of the Cold War, TALAY is a compact, unmanned, AI-driven sea-skimming drone designed for multi-role missions including reconnaissance, strike, and cargo delivery. It flies just 3 meters above the sea surface—below most coastal radar detection—can cover 200 km at speeds up to 200 kph, and carries a payload of 30 kg. Its modular design and foldable wings enable rapid deployment and versatile use in various maritime operations. The TALAY represents a doctrinal shift in naval warfare, emphasizing swarming tactics of low-cost, radar-evading drones to overwhelm enemy defenses rather than relying on fewer, larger missiles. This approach could pose a significant threat to both small inshore vessels and larger warships by saturating their defenses with multiple semi-autonomous attackers. Turkey
robotdroneAIunmanned-aerial-vehiclemilitary-technologysea-skimmingautonomous-flightAlbatross’s dynamic soaring could help drones fly longer using winds
UC Assistant Professor Sameh Elsa and his team are developing drones inspired by the albatross, a large seabird known for its ability to fly long distances without flapping its wings. Funded by a $700K DARPA grant, the project leverages biomimicry to replicate the albatross’s dynamic soaring technique. This flight method involves the bird repeatedly turning into the wind to gain altitude, then gliding forward using gravity and wind currents near the water’s surface, allowing it to stay airborne for hours efficiently. Albatrosses can cover hundreds of miles weekly, cumulatively flying distances far exceeding that between the Earth and the moon over their lifetimes. The research highlights the albatross’s sophisticated real-time flight optimization, which even advanced computers struggle to replicate. The birds use sensitive sensory input, including their keen sense of smell, to make precise flight adjustments, solving complex optimization problems instinctively. To mimic this, drones must measure changing wind speeds and directions and adjust their flight
robotdronesbiomimicrydynamic-soaringunmanned-aerial-vehiclesenergy-efficiencyautonomous-flightWorld’s first two-ton vertical takeoff aircraft set to fly in China
Chinese electric aircraft manufacturer Autoflight has achieved a global milestone by delivering the CarryAll V2000CG, the world’s first two-ton electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to receive all three major airworthiness certifications: Type Certificate, Production Certificate, and Airworthiness Certificate. This unmanned, fully electric aircraft has a maximum takeoff weight of two metric tons (approximately 4,400 pounds), a payload capacity of 400 kilograms (880 pounds), a cruising speed of about 124 mph (200 kph), and a maximum range of 124 miles (200 km). Designed to combine the vertical lift capabilities of a helicopter with the efficient cruising of a fixed-wing aircraft, the CarryAll V2000CG is intended for cargo delivery, emergency supply transport, and disaster response, benefiting from quieter and cleaner electric propulsion and the ability to operate in confined spaces. This development aligns with China’s national push to accelerate its “low-altitude economy,” which aims to commercialize air
robotelectric-aircrafteVTOLvertical-takeoff-and-landingdrone-logisticsair-mobilityautonomous-flightMan-Piloted Drone's First Flight
The Jetson One, a man-piloted drone classified as an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle, has successfully completed its first test flight. Designed to operate in challenging terrains, this innovative aircraft aims to assist in mountain rescue operations where conventional vehicles face significant limitations. Its ability to take off and land vertically allows it to access remote and difficult locations quickly and efficiently. The Jetson One represents a significant advancement in rescue technology by combining the maneuverability of drones with the capacity to carry a human pilot. This development could enhance emergency response times and improve the safety and effectiveness of mountain rescue missions. Further testing and refinement are expected as the Jetson One moves toward broader operational use.
robotdroneeVTOLmanned-droneaerial-rescueautonomous-flightaviation-technologyJetson ONE aces rescue flight to 3,973 ft summit
The Jetson ONE, an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) personal aircraft, was successfully tested in Southern Poland for mountain rescue missions, demonstrating its ability to reach the summit of Mt. Lubań (3,973 ft) in under four minutes despite strong winds up to 36 mph—conditions challenging even for helicopters. The tests, conducted with two ready-to-fly units, showcased the vehicle’s stability, control, and capability to take off and land in tight spaces with a single pilot. The Polish Mountain Rescue Team (GOPR) highlighted the Jetson ONE’s potential to cover up to 700 km² of remote terrain from a mountain summit, positioning it as a rapid-response "rescue spearhead" that can reach casualties faster than traditional methods such as ATVs or foot travel. The Jetson ONE’s lightweight design (115 kg), all-electric system, and quick deployment make it a low-maintenance, efficient tool for first responders, accelerating the arrival of
roboteVTOLrescue-droneelectric-vehicleemergency-responseautonomous-flightaerial-roboticsUS startup builds 330-pound car-like jet drone that flies at 225 mph
Texas-based startup FusionFlight has developed the Axion, a compact, jet-powered VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft that weighs 330 pounds and can reach speeds up to 225 mph. Unlike typical VTOLs that use electric motors and propellers, the Axion employs eight vectored-thrust micro-turbine jet engines fueled by diesel, kerosene, or jet-A. This setup generates 809 lb-ft of thrust, enabling vertical lift-off, agile maneuvering, and the ability to carry a single passenger or 176 pounds of cargo. The Axion offers about 15 minutes of flight time per refuel and can operate reliably in extreme weather conditions, including freezing temperatures, without performance loss. The Axion can be piloted manually via fly-by-wire joysticks or autonomously through a touchscreen interface, with remote operation also possible for unmanned missions such as emergency supply delivery or medical evacuations. It builds on FusionFlight’s earlier AB6 JetQuad drone
droneVTOLjet-enginesautonomous-flightmicro-turbineaviation-technologyelectric-aircraft-alternative