Skydio’s AI-powered flying robotic drones for enterprise
Skydio is a Redwood City, California-based flying drone manufacturer, using AI technology to give them autonomy.
The confluence of two of the world’s most exciting technologies, in the form of drones and artificial intelligence, has already produced dazzling displays such as those seen in Singapore.
Skydio is targeting the enterprise and public sector, however, with its upcoming Skydio X2 autonomous drone platform. Powered by the company’s Skydio Autonomy AI, and leveraging computer vision and deep learning, the company’s offering can build a 3D understanding of the world around it. That’s led to its adoption by organisations such as the Civil Air Patrol.
Since its foundation in 2014, the company has raised some $170mn across six funding rounds. Its latest Series C, announced last week, saw the company raise $100mn from lead investor Next47, alongside Playground Global, NTT DOCOMO Ventures, Levitate Capital, IVP and Andreessen Horowitz.
In a press release, Adam Bry, Skydio CEO, said: “Manual drones lack the software intelligence that enterprises need to scale their programs. Skydio’s goal is to unlock the value of drones by creating a radically simple user experience through the power of true autonomy. With Skydio 2 (S2) we’ve proven that our autonomy software can fundamentally change the way people use drones, and that an American company can not only compete, but can lead the way in AI-powered drone technology. We are now bringing the power of autonomy to enterprises, government agencies, first responders, and defense customers.”
The company is also partnering with Eagleview, an aerial imagery and data analytics provider, for an upcoming solution for the autonomous inspection of residential properties.
Said Bill Banta, General Manager - Enterprise Solutions, EagleView: “Skydio HouseScan is a game-changing capability for residential inspections. Thanks to these market leading capabilities, Skydio drones can automatically perform context-aware 3D scanning of residential properties. Delivered as part of EagleView’s enterprise solutions, Skydio HouseScan allows insurance inspectors to capture more precise data, efficiently and safely.”
(Image: Skydio)
