Palladyne AI, a developer of artificial intelligence software for robotic platforms in the defense and commercial sectors, along with Red Cat, a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government and commercial operations, announced a partnership intended to enhance the autonomous capabilities of all Red Cat’s Teal drones using Palladyne AI’s Pilot software.
Palladyne AI rebranded from Sarcos Robotics in early 2024.
Palladyne Pilot powers Teal drones
Leveraging its years of innovative development work for U.S. Government customers, Palladyne AI is developing an artificial intelligence platform for unmanned systems to enable persistent detection, tracking and classification of objects of interest by synthesizing multi-modal sensor fusion data in real-time.
The AI product for mobile systems, known as Palladyne Pilot, will facilitate shared situational awareness across multiple drones and autonomous navigation when integrated with drone autopilot systems. Palladyne Pilot is expected to be made available for all Teal drones, including those already in the field.
“Red Cat’s partnership approach to delivering the best-in-class solutions has earned them recognition and certification from the U.S. Department of Defense for their drone systems,” said Ben Wolff, CEO, Palladyne AI. “We are honored to team with Red Cat to offer advanced and effective technology for aerial intelligence needs for defense, public safety, and commercial operations in challenging environments.”
Palladyne AI’s artificial intelligence software platform is designed to train and enhance the effectiveness of autonomous, mobile, stationary and dexterous robots. Teal has developed a drone system comprised of two robotic UAVs and related control systems that have earned Blue UAS Certification by the U.S. Department of Defense.
The partnership will expand the drone system capabilities, facilitating the creation of a network of collaborating drones and sensors that self-orchestrate to provide superior intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, according to the companies.
“Palladyne AI is enabling cost-effective small drone platforms that incorporate some of the same autonomy capabilities typically only found on large drone platforms costing tens of millions of dollars,” said George Matus, CTO, Red Cat. “Their Palladyne Pilot autonomy software provides our drone systems with generalizable autonomy that enables a high level of adaptability and performance in challenging environments, materially reducing the cognitive load on drone operators and enhancing the operational capabilities and mission effectiveness of our drone platforms.”