Founded 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.
FAA Type Certificate
EASA C2
Compliance program
Military Open 1A
Compliance program
NDAA Compliant
Compliance program
DexaFrom its downtown Dayton headquarters, Dexa designs, manufactures, and operates autonomous drones for commercial last-mile delivery. The U.S.-based company pairs its own aircraft with an integrated logistics platform intended to help local businesses match the speed of large e-commerce networks. Dexa is one of only four U.S. companies cited as holding FAA Part 135 certification and a nationwide beyond-visual-line-of-sight waiver, and its aircraft are listed on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s S-1 list.DAYTON, OH
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
bluefliteFounded in 2018, blueflite develops and manufactures U.S.-made autonomous cargo drones and the logistics systems that operate them. Its patented, all-electric tilt-rotor platforms combine vertical takeoff and landing with high-speed forward flight, allowing deliveries to reach remote or difficult locations while protecting cargo from weather. The company’s Cobalt 461 platform is on the FAA’s Section 44807 Approved UAS list, and its Cobalt 46 has received FCC Conditional Approval under the Covered List framework.
Near Earth AutonomyFounded in Pittsburgh in 2012, Near Earth Autonomy develops autonomous pilot systems that let aircraft take off, fly and land safely with or without GPS. Its technology bridges aerospace and robotics, scaling from compact drones to large helicopters for commercial and defense missions. The company has integrated its systems with more than 60 aircraft types and logged over 11,000 autonomous flights.PITTSBURGH, PA