Featured News

Product News

18 March 2025
The Droning Company columnist <a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/news/categories/brazzel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Timothy Brazzel</a> will be covering <a href="https://psdronefest.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Palm Springs Drone Fest 2025</a>, March 21-23 at Palm Springs High School.
<h5>Watch!</h5>
<iframe style="width: 674px; height: 379px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iG9xAolMxCE?si=9ZEvzjnSPMyV9PvQ" width="674" height="379" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

Palm Springs Drone Fest, March 21-23

15 March 2025
<a href="https://www.anduril.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anduril</a> has been awarded a $642 million, 10-year Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Program of Record by the U.S. Marine Corps to deliver, install, and sustain Installation-Counter small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (I-CsUAS). Anduril&rsquo;s comprehensive I-CsUAS solution leverages the power of AI and advanced autonomy, equipping the U.S. Marine Corps with hardware and software capabilities required to address evolving aerial threats and protect installations worldwide over the next decade.
This program validates Anduril&rsquo;s CUAS advantage, enabling 24/7 autonomous operations powered by Lattice, Anduril&rsquo;s advanced software platform. Lattice uses AI to autonomously detect, track, identify, and neutralize aerial threats, empowering human operators to rapidly make critical decisions with minimal manpower.
Through a software-first approach, Anduril&rsquo;s integrated family of systems delivers comprehensive protection customized to the needs of each installation. Anduril&rsquo;s solution integrates multiple sensors and effectors into an easy-to-use, shared command and control (C2) interface and uses an open architecture to enable rapid iteration and system upgrades, providing the U.S. Marine Corps with the most advanced capabilities to outpace evolving threats over the 10 year period of performance.
This award expands our partnership with the U.S. Marine Corps, following a $200 million contract awarded in November to develop and deliver a CUAS Engagement System for the&nbsp;<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.anduril.com/article/anduril-industries-awarded-usd200-million-contract-to-develop-counter-unmanned-aerial-system/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS)</a>. To meet the growing demand for its defense solutions, Anduril has invested in&nbsp;<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.anduril.com/article/anduril-building-arsenal-1-hyperscale-manufacturing-facility-in-ohio/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Arsenal-1</a>, a first of its kind manufacturing facility that leverages software to manufacture autonomous systems at scale. Arsenal-1 will enable timely deployment of systems worldwide while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to future defense needs.
The scope of this program is a testament to the U.S. Marine Corps&rsquo; commitment to leveraging the latest in advanced technology to protect its troops and strategic assets from the aerial threats defining modern conflicts. By leveraging autonomous capabilities, Anduril is turning an urgent requirement into an enduring, scalable solution.

Marines Select Anduril to protect bases from small drones

13 March 2025
The following report is curated and brought to The Droning Company readers by&nbsp;<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.globenewswire.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FN Media Group News Commentary</a>.&nbsp;
The business use cases of commercial drones have expanded significantly over the past few years. They are being increasingly adopted in the construction and real estate sectors due to their ability to survey the property, offer constant and exact project alerts, increase safety, and prevent harmful accidents on construction sites. Moreover, their conventional applications, such as monitoring, surveillance, and security, have instigated the product demand for search and rescue operations, identifying unstable roofs in dangerous and inaccessible positions, tracking out elevated infrastructure that might have damaged electrical cables, etc. A recent report from Grand View Research said that: &ldquo;The global&nbsp;commercial drone market size&nbsp;was estimated at USD 30.02 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.6% from 2025 to 2030. The market growth is attributed to the increasing enterprise application of drones across various industry verticals. Several drone manufacturers are continually testing, inventing, and upgrading solutions for diverse markets used for various applications, including filming and emergency response. Besides, the integration of modern technologies in commercial drones to deliver enhanced solutions is opening new growth opportunities for the commercial drone market.&rdquo; Active Companies in the markets today include&nbsp;<a href="https://www.zenatech.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ZenaTech, Inc.</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.avinc.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AeroVironment, Inc.,</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kratosdefense.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kratos Defense &amp; Security Solutions, Inc.</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://redcat.red/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Red Cat Holdings, Inc.,</a> and <a href="https://draganfly.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Draganfly Inc.</a>
The Grand View Research report continued: &ldquo;Technological advances allow companies to design and construct measurement and annotation tools for estimating area, volume, and distance. As a result, organizations are constantly adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI) and&nbsp;Machine Learning&nbsp;(ML) solutions to retrieve accurate findings from large volumes of data. Integration of these modern technologies provides the industry with ample opportunities as they facilitate real-time, data-driven decision-making through high-speed data capture, processing, and transfer. AI-powered drones also allow users to interact and observe footage captured by other drones in real-time and track their flight paths. The&nbsp;North America commercial drone market&nbsp;is expected to grow at a considerable CAGR of 6.7% over the forecast period, owing to the ongoing advancements in drone technology, favorable government initiatives, and growing demand from enterprises across numerous industries. For instance, in the U.S., the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued new regulations to create more coherent and consistent standards for the legal and safe operation of UAVs in commercial spaces. These rules and regulations are anticipated to decrease entry barriers and boost product usage, thereby favoring the market expansion further.&rdquo;
<h5>ZenaTech</h5>
ZenaTech Expands ZenaDrone Team by 35 Engineers and Technicians to Meet Drone Production Manufacturing Capacity. ZenaTech, Inc., a technology company specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drones, Drone as a Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS and Quantum Computing solutions, announces today that its subsidiary ZenaDrone is expanding its team of drone engineers, technicians, and R&amp;D engineers by adding 35 new hires to meet production line and capability requirements for the manufacturing of its drone products.
&ldquo;As we transition from the prototype stages to full-scale production of our drones, we are adding qualified engineering, manufacturing and technical talent to commence and accelerate full-scale manufacturing and assembly.&nbsp; Expanding our production line capacity by adding these resources is a critical step in delivering our drones to market efficiently while meeting our monthly production goals,&rdquo; said CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D.
The ZenaDrone 1000 and IQ series of drones will be manufactured in the company&rsquo;s 10,000-foot manufacturing facility in Sharjah, UAE where prototype and R&amp;D development, drone assembly, flight testing, and quality control functions also take place. ZenaDrone&rsquo;s engineers include multi-disciplinary area backgrounds including mechanical, avionic, electrical and electronics specializations. Drone technicians have manufacturing or drone industry backgrounds and are specialists in a variety of assembly line production, flight testing, and quality control areas. Of the new team members, 15 have joined the company already and an additional 20 are expected to be onboard over the next one to two months.
The ZenaDrone 1000 is an autonomous multifunction drone offering stable flight, maneuverability, heavy lift capabilities, innovative software technology, sensors, AI, and purpose-built attachments, along with compact and rugged hardware engineered for military and industrial use. The company previously completed two paid trials with the US Air Force and the US Navy Reserve for logistics and transportation applications carrying critical cargo, such as blood, in the field.
The ZenaDrone IQ Square is an outdoor drone designed to be an advanced AI multifunction drone designed for commercial inspections, land surveys and other outdoor applications, and for the defense sector for various inspections and reconnaissance missions. Equipped with state-of-the-art cameras and sensors, the IQ Square offers a flight time of approximately 20 minutes when used with its autonomous recharging pad and can carry a payload of up to seven kilograms. With a footprint of 41X41 inches, the VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing), drone features retractable landing gear for enhanced functionality and adaptability.
The ZenaDrone IQ Nano is an indoor drone and comes in 10x10-inch or 20X20-inch models, designed to perform regular and frequent inspections such as bar code or RFID scanning, facility maintenance inspections, security monitoring, 3D indoor mapping inside a warehouse, distribution, or plant facility. The IQ Nano is designed for autonomous use featuring integrated sensors, high-quality cameras, and data collection and analysis. Weighing 1.5kg and with a flight time of up to 20 minutes before utilizing the automatic battery charging station, it is designed for hovering stability and for safety with obstacle avoidance capabilities. Read full release here: <a href="https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-zena/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-zena/</a>
Other recent developments in the markets this week include:
<h5>Draganfly Inc.&nbsp;</h5>
Draganfly Inc.&nbsp;recently announced the establishment of its new U.S. location in Tampa, Florida. Strategically positioned near key military and government clients, this expansion includes a demonstration and live fire testing facility, reinforcing Draganfly&rsquo;s commitment to delivering cutting-edge drone solutions to its U.S. customers.
The Tampa facility is part of Draganfly&rsquo;s long-term strategy to grow its government business, aligning with increasing demand from defense, law enforcement, and industrial sectors. While this expansion has been in development for some time, its opening is especially timely given the recent geopolitical trade measures.
&ldquo;For over 20 years, Draganfly has been at the forefront of providing innovative drone solutions to government, law enforcement, and industrial clients,&rdquo; said Cameron Chell, CEO of Draganfly. &ldquo;Our new Tampa facility underscores our commitment to the U.S. market, offering a critical hub for product demonstrations and live testing. The company continues to maintain and invest in its North American manufacturing facilities, ensuring high-quality production and ongoing support for Canadian and international clients."
<h5>Kratos Defense &amp; Security Solutions, Inc.</h5>
Kratos Defense &amp; Security Solutions, Inc.&nbsp;recently announced the award of the Short/Medium Range Sub-Orbital Vehicle (SSOV) II contract as a partner to Corvid Technologies, LLC. The contract, awarded by the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme, White Sands Detachment, will encompass the design, manufacture, and delivery of short- and medium-range suborbital vehicles, including provision of ground test hardware, special test equipment, materials, engineering, and launch support services. The contract includes options which, if exercised, bring the potential subcontract value to greater than $50 million.
Josh Peterson, Senior Vice President at Kratos Defense &amp; Rocket Support Services, said, &ldquo;This subcontract award as a partner to Corvid Technologies underscores our team&rsquo;s ability to deliver advanced, cost-effective solutions that meet the critical launch service needs of our customers. The suborbital vehicle configurations provided under this contract significantly enhance the nation&rsquo;s ability to rapidly and affordably demonstrate emerging technologies. We are proud to continue supporting the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme, White Sands Detachment, in this very vital mission.&rdquo;
<h5>AeroVironment</h5>
AeroVironment, a global leader in intelligent, multi-domain autonomous solutions, recently announced the launch of the JUMP&reg; 20-X, a next-generation, modular Group 3 uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) designed to meet the dynamic demands of modern warfare. Setting a new benchmark for autonomous maritime operations, the JUMP 20-X delivers unrivaled versatility, efficiency, and precision in contested and complex environments.
Unveiled at the 2025 International Defence Exhibition &amp; Conference (IDEX), the JUMP 20-X is a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) medium uncrewed aircraft system (MUAS) engineered to revolutionize shipboard UAS operations. With an advanced heavy-fuel engine capable of running on multiple fuel types, JUMP 20-X enhances operational flexibility, simplifies refueling logistics, and ensures mission adaptability across diverse maritime and expeditionary environments.
<h5>Red Cat Holdings, Inc.</h5>
Red Cat Holdings, Inc., a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations, recently announced the appointment of Christian Koji Ericson as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective March 17,&nbsp;2025.
Ericson brings more than 20 years of finance and accounting experience, including 11 years with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and senior finance roles at Nu Skin Enterprises, where he served as Chief Audit Executive, VP of Business Development, and VP of Finance for its agriculture technology division. Most recently, Ericson was Head of Finance and Accounting at Western Steel Buildings, where he played a pivotal role in scaling financial operations and optimizing compliance and governance structures to support rapid business growth.
<h5>About FN Media Group</h5>
At FN Media Group, via our top-rated online news portal at <a href="http://www.financialnewsmedia.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.financialnewsmedia.com</a>, we are one of the very few select firms providing top tier one syndicated news distribution, targeted ticker tag press releases and stock market news coverage for today&rsquo;s emerging companies.&nbsp;

Report: Drone Operations and Demand Skyrocketing

11 March 2025
<a href="https://www.warren.edu/academics/drones-unmanned-systems/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">WarrenUAS</a>, the pioneering New Jersey-based drone training program from Warren Community College, is shifting to another level of capability and sophistication through a new relationship with one of the leading experts in large-scale, complex Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Public Aircraft Operations (PAO).
Ed Celiano, the past executive director of the New Jersey Unmanned Aviation Systems Test Site (NJUASTS), established by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, is joining the experts at WarrenUAS as a consultant and instructor in the safe planning and operations of large UAS within the National Airspace System (NAS). His unmanned systems background began at a UAS OEM, supplying Class 2 and 3 intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance systems to the Department of Defense.
Examples of the planned WarrenUAS operations involving Celiano will include research in support of the Department of Defense, natural resource and agriculture management, disaster response and recovery, critical infrastructure inspections as well as first responder and law enforcement operations including counter-UAS work.
&ldquo;This is another huge step for us,&rdquo; said Warren President Will Austin, who made WarrenUAS a priority for the college and in five years has grown it into one of the top training programs in the country for unmanned systems. &ldquo;Ed has worked in the Defense Department technology field for more than 40 years, leading programs and organizations in the development and deployment of mission critical technologies, including for the past 14 years overseeing military and public Class 2 and 3 UAS flight operations. He will fit perfectly into the great team here and add a whole new dimension to our UAS activities and electives for students.&rdquo;
Celiano has a long resume of work in the field, most recently leading all flight operations for the NJUASTS in both NJ and seven additional states, furthering the safe integration of UAS into the national air space. Celiano noted he and his team &ldquo;uniquely enabled UAS public aircraft operations to take place geographically exactly where they were needed across the country&rdquo;.
Prior to his entry into the world of UAS, Celiano was the general manager of the Drexel University Applied Communications and Information Networking Center, at that time the largest joint Department of Defense business and technology incubation and commercialization &ldquo;Center of Excellence&rdquo; in the United States.
He also was general manager and vice president of operations at S.T. Production Systems in Farmingdale, NJ (Formerly FEL Corporation), a vertically integrated military electronics warfare and Naval communications systems corporation.
&ldquo;My vertically integrated facilities at FEL exceeded 500,000 square feet of combined military systems manufacturing, research and development, systems engineering, test and product qualification operations,&rdquo; he explained. Those primary systems included surface ship torpedo defense and airborne communications systems, airborne data links, threat emulation systems, active and passive EW systems, surface and subsurface threat identification systems, and 2,000-pound Quickstrike mines, he added.
Celiano said the position at Warren allows him at this stage of his career to continue to work in the research and education sector, both to elevate the capabilities of the college to acquire more complex UAS authorizations and train students to navigate the larger more sophisticated class of unmanned systems.
WarrenUAS has been unique in its ability to obtain certain rigorous FAA certifications to fly above populated areas or out of the line of sight of operators (Part 107 of the Code of Federal Regulations concerning UAS), but Celiano brings over a decade of experience with larger class systems requiring complex authorizations for flight operations using varied and heavier payloads, not common in any other collegiate drone program.
&ldquo;The intent is for WarrenUAS to expand its current Part 107 centric flight operations to include Public Aircraft Operations,&rdquo; he explained. &nbsp;&ldquo;I intend to help the college move forward with this capability while assuring the safe operation of more complicated systems. At the same time, I am assisting in the development of curriculum that will enable students to get a firm grasp of this scale of operation and the many career opportunities that are developing in this market space.&rdquo;
Austin noted that the addition of Celiano &ldquo;provides a new dimension to a program that has made great strides just as this field is booming. I don&rsquo;t think this kind of training has been available at the collegiate level, so this partnership again takes WarrenUAS to heights we never imagined when we initiated the program. We are extremely fortunate Ed has agreed to join our team, where the real winners will be our students and the companies that will eventually employ them.&rdquo;
&ldquo;We&rsquo;ve been able to acquire more than $5 million in UAS technology and top-notch instructors to provide a wide range of UAS training in fields ranging from agriculture &ndash; which has been one of our priorities &ndash; to law enforcement, search and rescue and firefighting, all while doing cutting-edge research,&rdquo; Austin said.
&ldquo;Having Ed working with us will help us provide students with direct exposure to more sophisticated equipment in whole new environments, all within the strict guidance of the FAA,&rdquo; he added.
&ldquo;I&rsquo;m excited to be part of the work Dr. Will and WarrenUAS are doing,&rdquo; Celiano said. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s a great opportunity for me to pass along my knowledge gained during the wide range of experiences I&rsquo;ve had, and help the college advance in this fast-growing, exciting field.&rdquo;
&nbsp;

Ed Celiano joins WarrenUAS Team

07 March 2025
<a href="https://www.valqari.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Valqari</a> is a pioneer in the drone technology and logistics industry. The company's innovative solutions are designed to have a positive impact on the world, and go far beyond simply providing drone services. They have a dedication to enhancing lives worldwide by using advanced technology to transform delivery systems. Especially in healthcare. With a presence in drone deliveries and a firm commitment to safety and reliability in their solutions Valqari is leading the way in reshaping how vital products are brought to customers.&nbsp;
<h5 dir="ltr">Bringing Dreams to Life</h5>
Since its establishment in 2017, Valqari has been committed to solving the final part of the delivery challenge that has troubled the industry for a long time. The last leg of delivery tends to be the costly and time-consuming segment of the entire supply chain. By introducing groundbreaking technologies such as the Drone Delivery Station and an in-house built UAS System that can be integrated into any drone platform, Valqari has developed a solution that is not only effective but also ensures safety and reliability throughout. The technology created by the company is versatile and scalable as it can be tailored to settings such as hospital campuses or combat zones and stadiums.&nbsp;
Ryan Walsh brings a thoughtful approach to Valqari as its CEO and founder by leveraging his military background to implement cutting edge technology for the benefit of society. "I saw the potential to utilize the technology I encountered in the military to enhance people's lives rather than harm them &ndash; it was an easy decision for me, " Walsh explains. His outlook goes beyond technological progress and focuses on creating a real and beneficial effect on communities.&nbsp;
Valqari&rsquo;s dedication to pushing boundaries in innovation has been duly appreciated by many in the industry circles. The prestigious Pepperdine Graziadio Business School deemed Valqari a contender for the title of 2023 Most Fundable Company owing to its robust business strategies and promising growth prospects. This accolade solidifies Valqari&rsquo;s standing as a frontrunner, in spearheading the era of drone delivery services.&nbsp;
<h5 dir="ltr">Reimagining Healthcare Supply Chain Management </h5>
Valqari&rsquo;s notable accomplishment includes its trial run with Northwestern Medicine&mdash;a partnership that signifies a pivotal advancement in utilizing drone technology in healthcare settings. The test initiative carried out at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital displays the practicality of employing drones to transport specimens and supplies securely and promptly.&nbsp;
Northwestern Medicine faces a challenge in ensuring prompt lab testing capabilities across its campuses. The conventional methods of transporting blood samples and medical supplies through courier services or staff members walking across the campus can cause delays in test results. It affects patient care negatively. Valqari&rsquo;s drone delivery system provides a solution by reducing wait times and enabling healthcare providers to prioritize patient care.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Historically this method of transport relied on courier services or staff physically ferrying specimens around campus at times " mentioned Sylvester Dazzo from Northwestern Medicines administration team. "If successful, drones could potentially introduce an on demand alternative that eliminates the need for personnel to traverse the campus regularly and allows our caregivers to focus on their primary role of delivering top notch patient care."&nbsp;
The effect of this technology is most noticeable at the cancer center where patients needing blood transfusions have seen a marked decrease in wait times. &ldquo;We are able to receive blood products beyond our delivery times which has greatly cut down on patient waiting times&rdquo; explained Meghan Shah, RN, the charge nurse for oncology infusion at Delnor Cancer Center.&nbsp;
Kristen Goldsmith is an oncology infusion nurse who mentioned that before using drones for deliveries in the hospital and cancer center setting she works in; the nursing staff had to move back and forth multiple times a day between the two locations to get things done efficiently. The implementation of drone deliveries in their workflow now helps her stay by her patient's side while providing treatment&mdash;an aspect of patient care in oncology settings. In her experience at the cancer center where treatment decisions are heavily influenced by bloodwork results, having this convenient delivery option speeds up the care process significantly and relieves some pressure from patients eagerly awaiting their test outcomes.&nbsp;
Valqari&rsquo;s technology improves the efficiency of delivering services and fosters communication between patients and healthcare providers by simplifying the delivery process. The company's unified system allows nurses and staff to focus on patient wellbeing and overall experience instead of dealing with transportation logistics.&nbsp;
<h5 dir="ltr">Technological Advancement in Action</h5>
Valqari&rsquo;s revolutionary Drone Delivery Station (DDS) exemplifies the company's dedication to pushing the boundaries of technology and progress in the industry. The DDS prioritizes safety and effectiveness by incorporating a landing station that stands at a height of over 7 feet to maintain a distance between individuals and drone operations. The landing platform is engineered to repel moisture and debris. This feature guarantees consistent functionality even in diverse weather conditions. The DDS internally aligns packages and drones with precision to facilitate dependable loading and unloading processes. It utilizes package robotics to autonomously transfer packages between drones and lockers for secure handling. The station provides network connectivity choices such as mobile networks and Wi Fi to stay connected with package delivery software. The affordability of the DDS is highlighted by its ability to operate economically using AC power and low power idle modes. Its potential future enhancements may involve incorporating battery backup and solar charging for off-grid functionality.&nbsp;
<h5 dir="ltr">Prospects of Drone Delivery</h5>
As the regulations from the FAA progress in development, Valqari is ready to increase its influence. "Should this initiative keep proving that drones are secure and efficient for deliveries, we will investigate potential uses of drones within the healthcare sector," Dazzo remarked. "We have an interest in exploring the ways in which drones could enhance the speed of treatments in our remote areas by offering a quick and efficient delivery solution where one is currently lacking." Valqari&rsquo;s goal goes beyond healthcare &ndash; their technology is tailored to meet the needs of various industries such as hospitality and consumer and commercial markets alike. They prioritize safety and security while also focusing on scalability. Valqari is at the forefront of transforming drone delivery services, by offering solutions for the final stage of the delivery process. Walsh expressed appreciation for the chance to contribute to their company's goal of enhancing lives through technology at Northwestern Medicine by advancing patient treatment efficiency. This is a milestone in their mission towards shaping the future of medical drone delivery and adapting it to a changing environment through collaborative efforts. Valqari goes beyond transporting packages by blending advanced technology with a strong dedication to enhancing people's lives worldwide. Spreading not just deliveries but also optimism and effectiveness, throughout communities globally.&nbsp;
<h5 dir="ltr">Looking Onward</h5>
Valqari will continue its efforts to enhance the efficiency of drone delivery. Valqari has already improved the logistics sector by working hand in hand with hospitals, emergency response providers, and food handlers. Creating a fully adaptable piece of technological advancement is important for upcoming implementations of drone delivery. As the future demands a quicker, and more eco-friendly solution, Valqari is there to answer the call.
<h5 dir="ltr">Learn More</h5>
<iframe style="width: 668px; height: 376px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eaGZj18uWFA?si=b4yUkwa9icVmRiBy" width="668" height="376" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

Valqari pioneers drone delivery for a Healthier Future

07 March 2025
<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.jouav.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">JOUAV</a>, a leading manufacturer of industrial unmanned aerial systems (UAS), has partnered with the Guangxi Power Supply Bureau to introduce China's first "Fixed + Mobile" UAS autonomous inspection system for power grid operations. This innovative solution establishes a new benchmark in power line inspection by combining unprecedented operational efficiency with substantial cost reduction.
The system strategically deploys five JOUAV <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.jouav.com/products/jouav-unattended-system.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">JOS-C800 VTOL hangars</a> and two CW-15V drones to address inspection challenges in mountainous terrain. Each CW-15V VTOL drone is capable of automated missions within a 50-kilometer radius, featuring up to three-hour flight endurance. The two drones &ldquo;hop&rdquo; between hangars, autonomously recharging to sustain continuous operations. By utilizing autonomous drones and fixed mobile docking stations, the system is able to cover up to 15,000 square kilometers with seamless, fully remote operations.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/IvbJ4T3DZtcfd2imqAbH2J7RFWEf7rc8junxyLwu.png" alt="" width="680" height="465" />
"Power line inspections, particularly in rugged areas, have traditionally been a time-consuming and labor-intensive process," said Robert Lee, Power Utility Solutions Engineer at JOUAV. "Our Drone-in-a-Box solution transforms this process by enabling 24/7 automated inspections with less manpower while also speeding up response times, significantly improving inspection efficiency, and lowering operational costs&mdash;making multi-site inspections a reality. This pilot project demonstrates that large-scale deployments of multiple drones and docking stations can be highly effective, even in the most challenging environments."
The autonomous system marks a transformative advancement for power grid maintenance. By synchronizing multiple drones and docking stations through centralized control, this solution minimizes human intervention while ensuring consistent monitoring precision. Real-time data transmission allows operators to promptly identify potential issues, dramatically improving response capabilities.
Beyond routine inspections, the system has proven invaluable during emergency situations. Equipped with high-resolution 4K video and LiDAR technology, JOUAV drones enable rapid damage assessments within just a few hours&mdash;an immense improvement compared to the previous assessment period of several days.
The success of this pilot project showcases the potential of autonomous UAS technology in transforming traditional power grid inspections and underscores JOUAV&rsquo;s commitment to innovation in the field of industrial drone solutions.

JOUAV Pioneers First Autonomous Power Line Inspection System

05 March 2025
Since the end of last year, the possibilities of quantum computers have also arrived in the mainstream stock market world. Important advances made by the Google Quant team caused the share prices of the relevant companies to rise significantly&mdash;at least in the short term.
In practice, they can completely change our lives.
One major beneficiary of this development is likely to be the transportation sector. There are completely new opportunities for autonomous driving and the latest drone technology. Providers such as <a href="https://www.zenatech.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ZenaTech</a> are already waiting in the wings.
<h5>What is Actually Behind Quantum Computers?</h5>
Previous computers&mdash;including the much-noticed supercomputers from IBM or Nvidia&mdash;work on the basis of the states &ldquo;0&rdquo; or &ldquo;1&rdquo;. Most of us have already learned this at school. So you can only make a statement about whether a question is &ldquo;true&rdquo; or &ldquo;false." Until now, the computer market has been governed by Moore's Law: the rule developed by Intel co-founder Gordon Moore states that computing power will double within 18 months. However, chip developers are now reaching their physical limits. In addition, the demand for computing power is growing explosively due to new applications in the field of AI, and far faster than developments in the industry.
<h5>The Solution to Many Problems?</h5>
Developers see quantum computing as the solution.
The dream here is of &ldquo;unlimited&rdquo; processing speed. Quantum computers work with so-called &ldquo;qubits&rdquo; instead of &ldquo;0&rdquo; or &ldquo;1." A qubit (or quantum bit) is the basic unit of information in this technology, which is similar to a bit in a classical computer. Thanks to the principles of quantum mechanics, a qubit can assume a variety of states. As a result, huge amounts of data could be processed in parallel instead of sequentially. However, there is still a major problem with qubits: Orderly cooperation and control of the states of qubits has not yet been possible. This &ldquo;error rate," as the experts call it, means that the more qubits are in use, the more errors occur. The aim is therefore to reduce the error rate.
<h5>Google Achieves a Breakthrough</h5>
In December 2024, Google's quantum team announced a breakthrough. The new quantum chip called Willow performed a mathematical calculation in less than five minutes. The fastest supercomputers of our time would have taken ten septillion years to do this. The experts were able to reduce the error rate exponentially, as the number of qubits and computing power increased (reported in an article in the journal Nature). This could be the first step towards successful quantum error correction&mdash;after more than three decades of research work. Nvidia is working with Google Quantum AI to develop the next generation of quantum computers.
<h5>Major Advances Possible for Autonomous Driving and Drones</h5>
If development continues to progress rapidly, quantum computers will be able to radically change many areas of our society and solve numerous problems.
One strategic field of application is transportation. Major progress could be made in this area, particularly in autonomous driving or the use of drones. Quantum computers could master today's challenges in the efficient use of huge amounts of data. ZenaTech is also positioned in this area. Unlike many other drone manufacturers, the company has strong roots and expertise in SaaS enterprise software, which it uses to develop and manufacture its drones. The company offers drones equipped with artificial intelligence, and has also announced work on a quantum computing project that focuses on drone swarms for applications such as traffic management and forest firefighting.
<h5>Made in America</h5>
State-of-the-art drone technologies are also in demand from the military. ZenaTech has therefore massively expanded its activities in the USA and invested in Arizona&mdash;an assembly plant is being built there for the development and construction of test drones for the U.S. military. In order to be able to supply the U.S. defense apparatus, the company is working on certification for the NDAA (National Defense Act Administration). The development of cameras, sensors, and component parts will come from the subsidiary Spider Vision Sensors in Taiwan.
ZenaTech could also benefit from the increasing restrictions on Chinese drones and their components in the USA. The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) of the U.S. Department of Commerce has been reviewing a new regulation to ban Chinese drones in the United States due to national security concerns since the beginning of the year. To date, Chinese companies&mdash;in particular, industry giant DJI&mdash;have a market share of over 75 percent of the U.S. drone market. Their share of privately used hobby drones is even more than 90 percent. A ban on the products of these companies would completely transform the industry in the U.S. market and create a huge vacuum. ZenaTech sees the future, and the company is addressing how AI and quantum computers could provide new impetus and opportunities in the drone industry.

How quantum computers can change droning

03 March 2025
The Droning Company columnist <a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/news/categories/brazzel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Timothy Brazzel </a>takes a deep dive to determine whether the <a href="https://iniushop.com/products/iniu-p63-e1-power-bank-smallest-100w-25000mah?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=21907820858&amp;utm_content=729109372446&amp;utm_term=iniu%20p63%20e1&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAw5W-BhAhEiwApv4goFtWwP7VDwgFUZsT5BbTpNRwulblYTggzXWWP4YGb-dfgh2UzLDa2hoCcjAQAvD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noopener">INIU Cougar P63</a> is a good choice for charging your drone batteries. Designed as a swift-charging solution for laptops, tablets, smartphones, and more, the 25,000mAh 100W Cougar P63 is small and portable, so it should be a great option for drone pilots out in the field&mdash;or anywhere else. Watch the video below to see how this Cougar can add a power jump to your drone batteries.
<h5>See the Review!</h5>
<iframe style="width: 672px; height: 378px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BBpltp7dgOg?si=oc53hLiObENq7oZJ" width="672" height="378" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
Like it? <a href="https://iniushop.com/products/iniu-p63-e1-power-bank-smallest-100w-25000mah?variant=44915636437170&amp;country=US&amp;currency=USD&amp;utm_medium=product_sync&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_content=sag_organic&amp;utm_campaign=sag_organic&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=21812133322&amp;utm_content=&amp;utm_term=&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAw5W-BhAhEiwApv4goFEUrsrBDmpLps5VYvJaQqNE0nzDsfxuzsvcAE4_3dByeXKjTce1nRoCC0EQAvD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Buy direct at INIU</a>. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/INIU-25000mAh-Capacity-Portable-Powerbank/dp/B0DBHC9F8B/ref=asc_df_B0DBHC9F8B?mcid=8da650d3690b3ed18f0e4455bc2a1897&amp;hvocijid=16799536566814751338-B0DBHC9F8B-&amp;hvexpln=73&amp;tag=hyprod-20&amp;linkCode=df0&amp;hvadid=730352155585&amp;hvpos=&amp;hvnetw=g&amp;hvrand=16799536566814751338&amp;hvpone=&amp;hvptwo=&amp;hvqmt=&amp;hvdev=c&amp;hvdvcmdl=&amp;hvlocint=&amp;hvlocphy=9031931&amp;hvtargid=pla-2281435180738&amp;th=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Purchase from Amazon</a>.

Gear Review: INIU Cougar P63 Power Bank

The Law-Tech Connect social networking event has become an annual tradition to kick off the Workshop, the night prior. All are welcome and must register.&nbsp; [Image courtesy Dawn Zoldi/P3 Tech Consulting.]
27 February 2025
By Stuart Smith
As uncrewed systems (UxS) continue to evolve with ever increasing levels of autonomy, so too does the complex web of legal, policy and regulatory issues that impact their full operationalization. As the autonomy industry grows, staying informed about the latest developments remains crucial for professionals across the entire ecosystem. Enter <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://xponential.org/co_lo_law_tech.cfm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Law-Tech Connect 2025</a>, the premier event where cutting-edge technology intersects with the law&hellip;and lasting professional connections occur.
<h5>The Genesis of Law-Tech Connect</h5>
Law-Tech Connect was born from a simple observation: the disconnect between legal and technical professionals in the UxS space. Event organizer Dawn Zoldi, a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and former military lawyer (CEO of <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.p3techconsulting.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">P3 Tech Consulting</a> and Publisher at <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://autonomyglobal.co/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Autonomy Global</a>) explained, &ldquo;I noticed that lawyers and policymakers discussed regulations in isolation, while techology leaders focused solely on their tech. I recognized a need to bridge this gap. So, I created Law-Tech Connect to bring these two worlds together.&rdquo;
<h5>From Humble Beginnings to Industry Staple</h5>
Since its inception in Orlando in 2022, Law-Tech Connect has experienced remarkable growth. What started as a novel concept has quickly become a must-attend event for industry professionals. For the past several years, the workshop has consistently drawn standing-room only crowds. The event's success as the go-to educational platform for UxS legal and regulatory insights hasn't gone unnoticed. The Drone Girl, a respected industry publication, has recognized Law-Tech Connect as <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.thedronegirl.com/2025/01/30/2025-drone-events/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">one of the top drone conferences</a>, expos, races, and meetups of the year.
<h5>Connecting Dots and People: Networking at Its Finest</h5>
Law-Tech Connect is all about connections.
&ldquo;We call it Law-Tech Connect, not just because we're connecting law and technology,&rdquo; Zoldi said, &ldquo;but also because we're connecting everybody together.&rdquo;
The event kicks off with a pre-workshop networking social on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at the Social Beer Garden in Houston. From 7-9 pm CT, attendees can mingle with industry peers and speakers in a relaxed setting. This networking opportunity sets the stage for the main event by creating an atmosphere of collaboration and idea-sharing that carries through the entire workshop.
Everyone is welcome. Thanks to social event sponsors, Northern Plains UAS Test Site (NPUASTS), Energy Drone &amp; Robotics Coalition (EDRC) and The African Drone Forum, all those registered for the Workshop will get free drinks and bites (others, BYO).
A separate registration for the social networking event is required, even for Law-Tech Connect Workshop attendees. All can register <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScHf3e0Sx1nDcpdMwCqx3V4Az1ue-8N1xGU9x_Yy8H1Cfy23w/viewform" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.
<h5>A Day of Unparalleled Insights</h5>
The main workshop takes place on Monday, May 19, 2025, at the George Bush Convention Center in Houston, Texas, co-located with <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://xponential.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AUVSI&rsquo;s XPONENTIAL</a>. This one-day intensive program covers a wide range of topics critical to the uncrewed systems industry. A recent live stream highlighted Law-Tech Connect&rsquo;s anticipated morning sessions. ICYMI, you can watch the Preview stream <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6xdEks6hVw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.
<h5>Navigating Government Contracts and Energy Sector Challenges</h5>
The day will begin with a panel titled "Let's Make a Deal: The Rules for Landing Government Autonomy Contracts." Moderated by Michael Bower from Esi, this session features experts like Tom Swoyer from GrandSKY, who brings invaluable experience in securing government contracts.
"We're really excited to be able to talk about the nuts and bolts of the contracting process and share some of our experience and lessons learned," Swoyer shared during the preview panel.
Following this, attendees will dive into "Big, Big Energy: The Virtuous Circle of Compliance and Autonomy in the Energy Sector." Sean Guerre from the EDRC will moderate this discussion. It will explore how uncrewed systems are revolutionizing compliance and operations in the energy industry.
"We're going to be expanding on the diverse regulatory challenges at the state level versus local versus federal,&rdquo; Guerre explained. &ldquo;Depending on the type of energy asset that you're operating, you're going to have a different set of compliance and regulatory requirements. This is definitely not a panel that's discussing what-ifs and possibilities. These are things that are actually impacting the industry and showcasing to all the stakeholders&mdash;asset owner operators, service companies, solution providers&mdash;how they can get involved.&rdquo;
<h5>Over the Horizon Operational Challenges and State-Level Innovations</h5>
The two other morning sessions promise equally compelling content. One highlight includes the "Future Proofing for Over the Horizon Operational Challenges" panel. This panel dives into the threat spectrum observed on battlefields, particularly emphasizing the conflict in Ukraine, and explores how these threats translate to businesses.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/vCYexswKeEUgg9nlxkDGRJQXLBGi6HKf26dPbIZY.png" alt="" width="680" height="383" />
The "Future Proofing for Over the Horizon Operational Challenges" panel dives into the threat spectrum observed on battlefields of Ukraine ,and explores how these threats translate to businesses. [Image courtesy Dawn Zoldi/P3 Tech Consulting.]
Discussions will include topics such as spoofing, jamming, and cybersecurity concerns and how these issues are associated with legal considerations. The panel will feature Brett Feddersen from D-Fend Solutions, discussing counter-UAS strategies, Evan Wolf from Crowell &amp; Moring, offering insights into cyber law and security, Brian Sardoch from OrqaFPV and Frasier Kitchell from KEF Robotics, who bring firsthand experience from the field in Ukraine. Evan Frankenberg, CEO of Echodyne will also contribute his expertise on radar technology and airspace awareness.
Attendees can also look forward to the "State of the States: Volume Two" panel, moderated by Erin Roesler from the NPUASTS. This session will explore how different states are approaching uncrewed systems integration and the economic opportunities they present.
"States recognize that there are huge economic opportunities that can be seized by leveraging drones and UAS technologies," Roesler noted. "We're going to take a lead in doing that because we as a state see the benefits." So do others. This panel will have reps from New Jersey (can you say &ldquo;Dronegate&rdquo;?), Nevada, Massachusetts and Michigan.
You can find the entire agenda <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://xponential.org/co_lo_law_tech.cfm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Mark your calendars for our Law-Tech Connect Preview II on Tuesday, March 18th at 11am ET and keep track <a href="https://autonomyglobal.co/podcast-category/regulation/">here</a>.
<h5>More Than Just a Workshop</h5>
Law-Tech Connect 2025 offers more than just a day of panels. Attendees receive a full-day program, meals and access to the pre-workshop networking event. Additionally, registration includes a 3-day XPO Hall pass for XPONENTIAL 2025. In short, registering for Law-Tech Connect gets you a full week of activities from Sunday through Thursday.
For attorneys, the event provides an opportunity to earn continuing legal education (CLE) credits. Zoldi has applied for accreditation from the Texas Bar for 8.00 CLE credits, which should be self-certifiable and transferable to other jurisdictions.
<h5>Investing in the Future</h5>
Law-Tech Connect is not just about current industry leaders; it's also investing in the future of the UxS systems sector. The event offers scholarship programs sponsored by organizations such as NPUASTS, Carahsoft, MatrixSpace, GT Law and Esi, aimed at developing the current and future workforce. Scholars receive all registration benefits as well as a copy of the drone law textbook that Zoldi authored for USI. Anyone can purchase the textbook at cost using the special event code on the event registration page.
<h5>A Can't-Miss Opportunity</h5>
In today&rsquo;s turbulent legal and regulatory environment, Law-Tech Connect has become even more vital. By bringing together legal experts, policymakers, technologists and industry leaders, this workshop creates a unique environment for learning, networking and collaboration.
Erin Roesler said it best as she explained why she keeps coming back year after year&mdash;and bringing a huge North Dakota contingent with her: "I realized that this was different. The panels were very meticulously organized in the aspect that they weren't sales pitchy. It wasn't just one entity up there talking about their success&hellip;There were competing viewpoints differing perspectives&hellip;challenging opinions on certain matters and that led to a really in-depth dialogue that I found valuable. As someone that's been in this industry for 15 years now, it is refreshing to engage in that type of event.&rdquo;
With a comprehensive agenda, star-studded speaker lineup (download the list <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.p3techconsulting.com/law-tech-connect" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>) and unparalleled networking opportunities, Law-Tech Connect 2025 promises to be an essential event for anyone involved in the UxS and autonomous industry. Don't miss this chance to stay at the forefront of legal tech in this rapidly evolving field. We hope to see ya&rsquo;ll in Houston!
Early bird registration is now open, at only $249. To secure your spot and learn more about the event, visit the official <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://xponential.org/co_lo_law_tech.cfm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Law-Tech Connect registration page</a>.

Sneak Peek at Law-Tech Connect 2025

21 February 2025
&ldquo;One of the first things we did when we started the company was go to Ukraine, and we were told if we could not make 5,000 drones per month, we were essentially useless,&rdquo; says <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.neros.tech/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Neros</a> co-founder and CEO Soren Monroe-Anderson. &ldquo;So we set out with this in mind.&rdquo;
The challenge and the goal seems to have worked out for Neros, as the U.S. company is now contracted to deliver 6,000 of its Archer FPV attack drones to Ukraine over 6 months. Part of an international campaign to supply drones to Ukraine, the Neros contract represents possibly the highest rate for any American drone producer.
The Archer is an 8&rdquo; FPV&mdash;which Neros claims &ldquo;exceeds state of the art performance&rdquo;&mdash;that can carry a 4.5-pound warhead to a range of 12 miles or more. The drone is designed to fly night and day, as well as in unfavorable weather conditions. To prevent jamming&mdash;which can prevent a drone from hitting its target&mdash;the Archer operates on multiple control frequencies and includes a wide-band video transmitter.
&ldquo;Jamming is a problem for everyone, including us, but we have shown very strong results,&rdquo; says Soren-Anderson. &ldquo;Because we design all our radios ourselves, and have been learning from what works in Ukraine for over a year, we are using a completely different setup than other U.S. drone companies.&rdquo;
The Ukraine contract does not include payloads, as the Ukrainian combatants plan to use their own, locally manufactured warheads&mdash;although Monroe-Anderson appears to feel that may be a mistake.
&ldquo;Neros is working on purpose-built, lethal payloads with our partner, Kraken Kinetics,&rdquo; he says. &ldquo;We've seen that the system as a whole is much more performant when the drone and warhead are designed together, so we've put a large priority on this effort.&rdquo;
The Neros Archer is significantly less expensive to acquire than other small drones on the BlueUAS list that identifies models approved for purchase by U.S, government agencies&mdash;which also makes it attractive to Ukraine forces. First, the 6,000 drones are being purchased for Ukraine by the International Drone Capability Coalition&mdash;an organization that hardly has a U.S. Pentagon-sized budget. Secondly, training accidents and battle deployments are less of a concern when not losing expensive hardware.&nbsp;
&ldquo;We are extremely focused on making the most capable and manufacturable FPV system in the Western world,&rdquo; says Soren Anderson. &ldquo;Our adversaries can produce millions of FPVs, and right now, the U.S. military is way behind most of the world in using FPV drones. We want to fix this.&rdquo;
<h5>Learn More</h5>
<iframe style="width: 677px; height: 381px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-wi1l9Ss1Mc?si=MFcQJj2R54wn0RH2" width="677" height="381" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

Featured News Product NewsPalm Springs Drone Fest, March 21-23

Featured News Product NewsMarines Select Anduril to protect bases from small drones

Featured News Product NewsReport: Drone Operations and Demand Skyrocketing

Featured News Product NewsEd Celiano joins WarrenUAS Team

Featured News Product NewsValqari pioneers drone delivery for a Healthier Future

Featured News Product NewsJOUAV Pioneers First Autonomous Power Line Inspection System

Featured News Product NewsHow quantum computers can change droning

Featured News Product NewsGear Review: INIU Cougar P63 Power Bank

Featured News Product NewsSneak Peek at Law-Tech Connect 2025

Featured News Product NewsNeros Wins Contract to Supply Ukraine with combat UAVs