Skydio aims to develop world’s smartest planes

Skydio aims to develop world’s smartest planes

Washington, Feb. 15, 2022

U.S. drone manufacturer Skydio has been awarded a contract worth $20.2 million per year to supply AI-equipped drones to the Army. According to the company, its drones have AI tools for navigation, obstacle avoidance, and detection of people and vehicles.

Specifically, Skydio will supply its Skydio X2D drones for the Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) program. The drones have autonomous capabilities and are coupled with Skydio’s AI-driven flight software. They are equipped with sensors to scan the environment and autonomously reconstruct the scene in 3D.

Individual soldiers can carry the reconnaissance drones and use them for reconnaissance and surveillance purposes. The contract is worth up to $99.8 million over five years.

Redwood City, California-based Skydio says it is using AI to develop „the world’s smartest flying machines“ for governments, consumers and businesses.