Airgility Inc., founded by University of Maryland alumni in 2017, designs and builds autonomous aerial and ground robotic systems for missions where conventional drones struggle, including GPS-denied and confined environments. Its distinctive platforms combine VTOL aircraft design, onboard computing and AI-driven sensing, while a largely 3D-printed vehicle structure supports rapid prototyping and production. The Maryland spin-off works with university research facilities and partners on systems intended for first response, communications, delivery and security missions.
Minority Owned Small Business
Compliance program
American Robotics, IncFounded in 2016 by Carnegie Mellon and Stanford roboticists, American Robotics develops autonomous drones and airspace-security systems for continuous aerial data collection and critical operations. The Sparks, Maryland company’s Optimus platform is a fully automated drone-in-a-box system, while its portfolio also includes counter-UAS and defense platforms. Optimus-1EX became the first non-air-carrier drone designed for autonomous security and data capture to receive FAA Type Certification, and American Robotics says its systems have also secured approval for automated beyond-visual-line-of-sight operation without an on-site human operator.SPARKS GLENCOE, MD
Easy AerialFounded by former military personnel and aerospace, robotics, and software engineers with support from the U.S. Air Force, Easy Aerial is a U.S.-made manufacturer of autonomous aerial systems for defense and commercial customers. Its equipment is built for remote operation in harsh environments, including deployments from vehicles and vessels, and the company has delivered hundreds of systems worldwide. Easy Aerial is ISO 9001 and AS9100 certified, listed on the DIU Blue Clear List, and NDAA compliant.BROOKLYN, NY
ExynSpun out of the University of Pennsylvania’s GRASP Lab in 2014, Exyn builds autonomous aerial and ground-robot systems for 3D mapping in complex, GPS-denied environments. Its Nexys platform pairs LiDAR-based SLAM with modular hardware and ExynAI autonomy, allowing robots to map hazardous underground mines, construction sites, and other difficult spaces without a pilot or prior map. The Philadelphia company’s technology has been validated through hundreds of deployments and tens of thousands of autonomous flights.PHILADELPHIA, PA
Event 38 Unmanned SystemsSince 2011, Richfield’s Event 38 Unmanned Systems has designed, manufactured, and tested fixed-wing VTOL drones and custom UAS solutions in the United States. Its open-architecture aircraft support demanding missions ranging from aerial mapping to surveillance, with more than 600 drones delivered to customers in over 50 countries. Founder and President Jeff Taylor remains personally involved in the engineering and design of each aircraft, while the company also develops specialized systems such as its hydrogen-powered VTOL demonstrator and heavy-lift eVTOL.RICHFIELD, OH