American Robotics
American Robotics, an Ondas Holdings subsidiary, develops FAA-approved autonomous drone-in-a-box systems (Optimus, Iron Drone Raider, Wåsp) for industrial monitoring, defense, and homeland security markets. It offers Robot-as-a-Service with AI-powered anomaly detection and counter-UAS capabilities to government and critical infrastructure operators.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2016
- HeadquartersWaltham, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What American Robotics does
American Robotics, founded in 2016 by Carnegie Mellon and Stanford roboticists and acquired by Ondas Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: ONDS) in May 2021 for approximately $70.6 million, develops FAA-approved autonomous drone-in-a-box systems for industrial and defense applications. Its product portfolio centers on the Optimus System (the first non-air carrier drone to receive FAA Type Certification, featuring an automated dock with 11 onboard batteries and a mechanical arm for autonomous payload exchange, supporting 24/7 persistent coverage of up to 30 square miles per airbase), the Iron Drone Raider counter-UAS interception system (autonomous AI-vision-guided interceptor drones that capture hostile UAVs using nets and parachutes, independent of GPS or external signals), the Kestrel System, and the Wåsp NDAA-compliant attritable combat drone developed with Rift Dynamics and Nammo. Earlier-generation Scout System products serve oil & gas, rail, agriculture, and mining customers with FAA-approved BVLOS autonomous operations. AI capabilities—proprietary computer vision, anomaly detection for methane leaks and infrastructure defects, and an in-house Operational Control Center—are embedded across the stack.
The company operates a hybrid revenue model combining Robot-as-a-Service (RAAS) subscriptions for industrial customers with direct hardware sales to defense and homeland security buyers. RAAS contracts bundle mission planning, flight operations, BVLOS waiver management, infrastructure setup, and regulatory compliance under multi-year terms. Defense revenue is driven by individual program awards, including a $14.3M Optimus order (largest single order in company history), a $3.4M Iron Drone Raider contract with a European defense agency, and follow-on orders from Dubai and an Asian governmental agency. Go-to-market combines direct enterprise sales with channel partnerships (notably Mistral Inc. for U.S. defense and homeland security) and contract manufacturing through Detroit Manufacturing Systems' Kinetyc operations for NDAA- and Buy American-compliant domestic production. Primary customer segments are Government & Defense, Critical Infrastructure (oil & gas, pipelines, rail, substations), Homeland Security, and Agriculture; named logos include MassDOT Aeronautics, Dubai Police, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, ScottsMiracle-Gro, and a European defense agency. Recent growth has been rapid, with parent Ondas reporting Q3 2025 revenue of $10.1M (+582% YoY), full-year 2025 guidance above $36M, and a 2026 revenue target initially set at $110M minimum and later raised to $170-180M.
American Robotics firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- American Robotics
- Legal name
- American Robotics, Inc.
- Website
- https://american-robotics.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2016
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- American Robotics, an Ondas Holdings subsidiary, develops FAA-approved autonomous drone-in-a-box systems (Optimus, Iron Drone Raider, Wåsp) for industrial monitoring, defense, and homeland security markets. It offers Robot-as-a-Service with AI-powered anomaly detection and counter-UAS capabilities to government and critical infrastructure operators.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
American Robotics industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Autonomous Industrial Drones
- NAICS
- Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing (336414), Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336413)
- SIC
- Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Military Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) & Autonomous Aerial Platforms (IMABAMAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Counter-UAS (C-UAS) Systems & Drone Defense (IMABAIAG), Aerial Robotics (Drones & UAV Autonomy) (HDAAAIAG), Autonomy Software, AI & Mission Management (UAS/UXV) (IMABAIAH)
Keywords
Where American Robotics is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Waltham
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
American Robotics business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Operations
Revenue model
- Robot-as-a-Service (RAAS): Autonomous Drone Platforms are typically provided to customers under a Robot-as-a-Service (RAAS) business model. This subscription-based approach provides customers with end-to-end autonomous drone operations including mission planning, flight operations management, data processing, and regulatory compliance support. The model enables continuous, unattended operations without requiring customers to employ drone operators.
- Defense and Security Systems Sales: Direct sales of autonomous drone platforms including Optimus System and Iron Drone Raider to defense agencies, homeland security organizations, and critical infrastructure operators. Includes military contracts for counter-UAS solutions and ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) applications. Recent $14.3 million Optimus order and $10 million in autonomous systems orders including counter-UAS solutions.
- Manufacturing and Production Services: Contract manufacturing partnership with Detroit Manufacturing Systems (DMS) for scaled production of NDAA-compliant autonomous drone platforms for both U.S. defense markets and export to allied nations. Manufacturing through DMS's Kinetyc operations in Wixom, Michigan.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Robot-as-a-Service (RAAS) subscription model with comprehensive operational support |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
American Robotics product offering
Product offeringCore offering
American Robotics develops and deploys FAA-approved autonomous drone-in-a-box systems for industrial, defense, and homeland security applications. Its Optimus, Iron Drone Raider, Kestrel, Wåsp, and Scout platforms deliver persistent 24/7 aerial data capture, counter-UAS protection, and security monitoring, sold through a Robot-as-a-Service (RAAS) subscription model that bundles hardware, mission planning, flight operations, BVLOS waiver management, and regulatory compliance support.
Product overview
American Robotics, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ondas Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: ONDS), provides autonomous drone systems for industrial and defense applications. The company's product portfolio centers on drone-in-a-box solutions comprising the Optimus System (the first FAA Type Certified autonomous drone for security and data capture), Iron Drone Raider (AI-powered autonomous counter-UAS interception system), Kestrel System, and Wåsp attritable combat drone. Products are offered primarily under a Robot-as-a-Service (RAAS) business model, providing end-to-end services including mission planning, flight operations, regulatory compliance, and maintenance. The Scout System represents an earlier autonomous platform with industry-leading FAA BVLOS approvals. The company serves government, public safety, critical infrastructure, and commercial markets including oil and gas, rail, agriculture, and defense sectors.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Ondas Autonomous Systems (OAS): Business unit of Ondas Holdings that encompasses American Robotics and other autonomous drone and security platforms including Optimus System, Iron Drone Raider, and ground robotics systems.
Products and services
- Optimus System Fully autonomous drone-in-a-box platform for persistent aerial data collection, security monitoring, and emergency response. Features automated battery swapping for 24/7 operations and autonomous payload exchange, covering perimeters up to 30 square miles per airbase. The first FAA Type Certified small UAS for automated aerial security and data capture. Targeted at defense, government, public safety, and critical infrastructure operators.
- Iron Drone Raider Autonomous counter-UAS interception system that uses AI-powered interceptor drones to detect, track, and capture hostile UAVs using net and parachute technology. Operates independently of GPS or external signals, designed to protect sensitive airspace with zero collateral damage. Targeted at military, homeland security, and critical infrastructure operators facing hostile drone threats.
- Kestrel System Autonomous drone-in-a-box system for aerial data collection and monitoring applications, part of American Robotics' portfolio of drone-in-a-box solutions for industrial and defense applications.
- Wåsp NDAA-compliant attritable combat drone developed in partnership with Rift Dynamics and Nammo for the U.S. defense market. Turnkey system combining airframe, munition, and control systems for mass-affordable strike and perimeter defense platforms, with scalable production capacity of up to 20,000 units per month worldwide.
- Scout System
Quantifiable outcome
- Image resolution 500x better than satellite solutions (1mm/pixel vs 50cm/pixel)
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use American Robotics
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
American Robotics technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration1 record
AI capability8 records
Feature6 records
American Robotics partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Rift DynamicscorePartnership expansion to include Nammo for fully integrated Wåsp munition drone system targeting U.S. defense market. American Robotics serves as prime contractor and exclusive distributor for the turnkey NDAA-compliant attritable drone combining airframe, munition, and control systems. Partnership aligned with U.S. Department of War's Replicator initiative and Section 2209 priorities for rapid deployment of mass-affordable attritable drone systems at scale.
- Nammo Raufoss AScorePartnership expansion with Rift Dynamics to include Nammo for integrated Wåsp munition drone system. Nammo provides warhead technology and U.S. production facilities. Turnkey NDAA-compliant attritable drone system builds on existing Rift-Nammo success with Norwegian Army and NATO engagements.
- KitronminorManufacturing partner for Wåsp attritable combat drones at U.S. facilities. Kitron provides production capacity enabling scalable manufacturing of up to 20,000 units per month worldwide.
- Detroit Manufacturing Systems (DMS)coreStrategic manufacturing partnership with Detroit Manufacturing Systems through its Kinetyc advanced manufacturing operations in Wixom, Michigan. DMS serves as contract manufacturer and supply chain manager for American Robotics' autonomous drone platforms for both U.S. and export markets. Partnership enables scaled domestic production meeting NDAA and Buy American compliance requirements. Aligns with Trump administration's Unleashing American Drone Dominance Executive Order.
- Mistral Inc.coreStrategic partnership with Maryland-based Mistral Inc. for joint marketing, sales, and integration of Optimus drone system and Iron Drone Raider into U.S. defense and homeland security markets. Mistral brings over 35 years of experience and established relationships with federal, state, local law enforcement, military, and homeland security entities. Initial 3-year term with automatic renewal and structured success fee model based on realized sales.
- Infrared Cameras Inc. (ICI)coreStrategic technology partnership to equip American Robotics' autonomous Scout System drone with ICI's optical gas imaging (OGI) and thermal sensors for automated inspection of oil and gas assets and identification of methane leaks. Combined solution enables customers to automate inspections of critical assets such as tanks, pipes, and pumps.
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
American Robotics competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Skydio: U.S.-based autonomous drone manufacturer focused on commercial, public safety, and defense applications. Skydio competes directly with American Robotics in autonomous UAS for industrial inspection, security, and DoD programs.
- Percepto: Provider of autonomous drone-in-a-box solutions for industrial site monitoring (oil & gas, mining, utilities). Percepto's Sparrow and Air Mobility products compete most directly with American Robotics' Optimus/Scout platform.
- D-Fend Solutions: Specialist in counter-drone / counter-UAS detection and mitigation systems for military, homeland security, and critical infrastructure. Direct competitor to American Robotics' Iron Drone Raider.
- DroneShield: Counter-UAS solutions provider offering detection and soft-kill defeat products (DroneGun, DroneSentry). Competitor to Iron Drone Raider across defense, federal, and critical infrastructure accounts.
- Dedrone: Counter-UAS detection and airspace management company with fixed and mobile solutions. Sells into defense, homeland security, and critical infrastructure customers overlapping with American Robotics' counter-UAS focus.
- Red Cat Holdings (Teal Drones): Developer of small tactical UAS (Teal) for defense and government markets. Competitor to American Robotics' attritable/loitering drone ambitions under DoW programs.
- PrecisionHawk: Provider of commercial drone inspection and aerial data services for industrial verticals including energy, agriculture, and rail. Closely comparable commercial-to-industrial go-to-market motion to American Robotics' RAAS offering.
Broad incumbents
- Anduril Industries: Large, well-capitalized defense technology company building autonomous systems including counter-UAS (Roadrunner), UAS (Lattice, Bolt), and attritable platforms. A broad incumbent competing across AR's defense and counter-UAS product lines.
- Shield AI: Defense technology company developing autonomous UAS (Nova, V-BAT) and AI pilots for military operations. Competes with American Robotics in defense autonomous UAS and shares DoW Replicator-aligned customer programs.
- DJI Dock: Chinese drone-in-a-box (DJI Dock) targeting industrial inspection and security. While NDAA-restricted for U.S. federal use, DJI is the dominant drone-in-a-box reference product and indirect competitor in non-federal industrial segments.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
American Robotics social profiles
Digital presenceAmerican Robotics compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
American Robotics financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
American Robotics leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
American Robotics funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds6 records
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
American Robotics M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about American Robotics
What does American Robotics do?
American Robotics develops and deploys FAA-approved autonomous drone-in-a-box systems for industrial, defense, and homeland security applications. Its Optimus, Iron Drone Raider, Kestrel, Wåsp, and Scout platforms deliver persistent 24/7 aerial data capture, counter-UAS protection, and security monitoring, sold through a Robot-as-a-Service (RAAS) subscription model that bundles hardware, mission planning, flight operations, BVLOS waiver management, and regulatory compliance support.
Is American Robotics a public or private company?
American Robotics is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was American Robotics founded?
American Robotics was founded in 2016. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is American Robotics based?
American Robotics is headquartered in Waltham, United States, in the North America region.
How does American Robotics make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Robot-as-a-Service (RAAS) is the primary driver. The others are defense and Security Systems Sales and manufacturing and Production Services.
Who are American Robotics's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Skydio, Percepto, D-Fend Solutions, DroneShield, Dedrone, Red Cat Holdings (Teal Drones) and PrecisionHawk. Broad incumbents are Anduril Industries, Shield AI and DJI Dock.
Does American Robotics have an API?
No public API is recorded for American Robotics.
What industry is American Robotics in?
American Robotics's product category is Autonomous Industrial Drones. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABAMAC, Military Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) & Autonomous Aerial Platforms, with a secondary code of IMABAIAG, Counter-UAS (C-UAS) Systems & Drone Defense. Its NAICS code is 334511 and its SIC code is 3812.