Tomahawk Robotics to be acquired by AeroVironment

AeroVironment plans to acquire Tomahawk Robotics, a manufacturer of artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled robotic control systems. AeroVironment will acquire 100% of Tomahawk Robotics equity for a total purchase price of $120 million to be paid in a mix of cash and stock. Tomahawk Robotics will become part of the small UAS (sUAS) business unit within AeroVironment’s Unmanned Systems segment, retaining its workforce and existing facilities in Florida.

AeroVironment’s uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) paired with Tomahawk Robotics’ AI-enabled technology will allow users to operate various connected robotic solutions in the battlefield and share information between multiple domains with one common controller.

Tomahawk Robotics’ Kinesis control system was integrated into AeroVironment’s small unmanned aircraft family of systems including Raven B and Puma 3 AE in 2022. 

https://www.avinc.com; https://www.tomahawkrobotics.com

Shield AI demonstrates AI-piloted, teaming V-BATs

Defense technology company Shield AI demonstrated autonomous teaming featuring three V-BAT uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS). The accomplishment was the final milestone of an AFWERX autonomy effort under their Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) program and collaboration with the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) Sensors Directorate.

Its work with AFWERX sets Shield AI on a path to deploy V-BAT teaming capabilities in GPS- and communications-denied environments in 2024.

Shield AI’s Hivemind artificial intelligence (AI) pilot launched the three V-BATs to monitor and surveil simulated wildfires conducting detect, identify, locate, and report (DILR) missions. Trainable for various missions, Hivemind’s modular open systems architecture enables portability to other aircraft. https://afresearchlab.com; https://afwerx.com; https://shield.ai

Quickstep gets USA drone product development agreement

Australia-based aerospace composite company Quickstep Holdings Ltd. has an exclusive manufacturing and engineering integration agreement with TB2 Aerospace LLC of Breckenridge, Colorado, for the TB2 pod interface system.

The patented system provides an autonomous means of connecting standardized cargo pods to uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), allowing operators to deliver rapid-change, multi-mission capabilities with reduced human intervention.

Under the agreement, Quickstep will provide $500,000 of engineering and structural integration services for incorporating the TB2 interface to customer aircraft and will assist TB2 with the pods’ design, integration, supplier management, and servicing. Quickstep also gets a minority equity position in TB2.

Work will be performed at Quickstep’s Geelong, Australia facility and their Wichita, Kansas facility once it becomes operational. https://www.quickstep.com.au; https://www.tb2aerospace.com