Airrow Is Automating Battery And Payload Swapping For Drones
Los Angeles startup Airrow reveals a new device that automatically swaps batteries and payloads for drones. The system aims to solve scaling challenges for drone delivery and military operations.
Los Angeles-based startup Airrow introduces a new device that automatically removes and replaces batteries and payloads for drones. The system operates like a CNC machine, using a gantry that moves along X- and Y-axes to transfer a battery from a charger to the drone. This automation replaces a manual process that becomes a major hassle when scaling up drone operations like food delivery programs.
The technology is still in its early stages, with a current battery swap taking two minutes from start to finish. The small five-person team is actively working to reduce this time to around 30 seconds and is extending the system's capabilities to handle payload swaps. As the company prepares to raise its next funding round, it plans to expand its headcount to support these development goals.
Target customers include military organizations and law enforcement, with Airrow already in talks with the Navy SEALs about potential deployments. The complete bundle, which includes a drone, carries a hefty price tag of between $80,000 and $100,000. Additionally, the startup offers customization to ensure the swapping system works seamlessly with different drone models to meet specific customer requirements.