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Visitors Experience the Future of Urban Air Mobility with Life-Size Model and Boarding Opportunity SkyDrive Inc., a leading Japanese eVTOL (electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing) aircraft manufacturer, has revealed a full-scale mockup of its SKYDRIVE SD-05 model to the public for the first time at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. The display is part of the… Read more: SkyDrive Unveils Full-Scale Mockup of SD-05 eVTOL at Expo 2025 Osaka

As drone operations scale in complexity and scope across industries, the need for seamless, reliable team communication becomes critical. Sonetics wireless headset systems are emerging as a key solution, offering robust features that address the specific challenges of training, large-scale operations, tactical missions, and logistics support. Advanced Communication for Demanding Environments Sonetics headsets are engineered… Read more: Clear Communication, Safer Skies: Sonetics Wireless Headsets Advance Drone Operations

First responders warn that proposed country-of-origin drone ban could hinder life-saving operations and increase costs for Texas agencies. By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill More than a dozen witnesses representing police, fire and emergency response agencies, spoke out recently against a bill pending in the Texas state legislature that could ban the purchase by government… Read more: Texas considers ban on Chinese drones for state agencies

Formation of Public Safety Advisory Board Drone solutions developer Draganfly Inc. recently announced the formation of its Public Safety Advisory Board, reinforcing its commitment to the growing law enforcement and public safety sector. Global public safety expert and Homeland Security advisor Paul Goldenberg will serve as the inaugural Chair of the Board. Leadership by Homeland… Read more: Draganfly Expands Focus on Public Safety Market with New Advisory Board Led by Homeland Security Expert

Milestones clear the way for national expansion of autonomous drone delivery in the U.S. Dayton-based drone logistics company DEXA (Drone Express) has reached two major milestones in its mission to bring autonomous drone delivery to consumers across the United States. The company announced that it has received FAA Part 135 Air Carrier Certification and that… Read more: DEXA Earns FAA Part 135 Certification and S-1 Drone Approval

The British Army has taken a major step forward in counter-drone technology by successfully testing a new radio-wave weapon designed to knock out swarms of drones. In a recent trial, soldiers used the Radiofrequency Directed Energy Weapon (RF DEW) to neutralize over 100 drones, including two swarms in a single engagement—the largest such exercise ever… Read more: British Army Zaps Drone Swarms With Radio-Wave Weapon in Historic Test

Acquisition supports healthcare, logistics, and infrastructure inspection across rural and remote region Skyports Expands Global Footprint with Australian Entry Skyports Drone Services, a global leader in drone delivery and inspection, has announced the acquisition of Redbird Aero, a top large cargo drone operator in Australia. This move marks Skyports’ official entry into the Australian market… Read more: Skyports Drone Services Acquires Redbird Aero, Launches Operations in Australia

Company takes major step toward a fully domestic battery supply chain in response to geopolitical and supply chain pressures Lyten Strengthens U.S. Battery Industry with Domestic Lithium-Metal Production Lyten, a California-based supermaterial company, has announced the production of the first U.S.-made battery grade lithium-metal foil using domestic lithium alloys and raw materials. This achievement marks… Read more: Lyten Begins U.S. Production of Lithium-Metal Foil for Next-Gen Batteries

The drone industry is currently undergoing a clear process of maturation, a trend that recent mergers and acquisitions (M&A) strongly support. Over the past six months, several significant deals have taken place, reflecting a shift toward larger, more integrated companies that are building comprehensive solutions for various sectors such as public safety, logistics, and defense.… Read more: The Drone Industry’s Path Toward Maturity

Public Flight Showcases Personal Air Mobility at Osaka’s Smart Mobility Expo LIFT Aircraft Takes Flight in Osaka LIFT Aircraft marked a major milestone this week with a public demonstration of its HEXA aircraft at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. The HEXA flight at World Expo 2025 took place at the specially built “EXPO… Read more: LIFT Aircraft Demonstrates HEXA eVTOL at World Expo 2025

AS-DT1 Offers Accurate 3D Measurement in a Compact, Lightweight Design for Drones, Robotics, and More Sony Unveils AS-DT1 Miniature LiDAR Sensor Sony Electronics has announced the AS-DT1, a compact and lightweight LiDAR depth sensor designed for precise 3D measurement. Measuring only 29mm x 29mm x 31mm and weighing 50 grams, the AS-DT1 is now the… Read more: Sony Launches World’s Smallest and Lightest Precision LiDAR Sensor

News and Commentary. The Drone Integration and Zoning Act (S.1249), currently under consideration in the U.S. Senate, is raising significant concerns across the commercial drone industry. The bill – another reboot of the Drone Federalism Act first introduced in 2017, and the bill of the same name first introduced in 2019 – would fundamentally shift… Read more: Proposed Drone Integration and Zoning Act (S.1249): Still a Bad Idea

New Update Offers Greater Flexibility for Photogrammetry and LiDAR Workflows SimActive Inc., a leading developer of photogrammetry software, has released Version 10.4 of its Correlator3D platform. This new version gives users more control over 3D model creation, with advanced tools for both photogrammetry and LiDAR data. Full Control for Diverse Workflows Correlator3D Version 10.4 introduces… Read more: SimActive Releases Correlator3D Version 10.4 with Enhanced 3D Model Controls

China’s recent decision to restrict exports of key rare earth elements is set to create new challenges for the U.S. drone industry, adding to the complications already caused by tariffs. These export controls target materials essential for manufacturing the high-performance magnets and batteries that power commercial drones, raising concerns about supply chain stability and production… Read more: China’s Rare Earth Export Restrictions: What They Mean for the U.S. Drone Industry

Collaboration brings advanced UAS expertise and strategic insight to support WarrenUAS research, training, and program growth Warren County Community College’s WarrenUAS program, known for its strength in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) training and research, has announced a new partnership with The Tactien Group LLC. The collaboration brings aviation strategy expertise to WarrenUAS and deepens the… Read more: WarrenUAS Expands Industry Reach Through New Partnership with The Tactien Group

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) in drone technology is being heralded as a transformative milestone, akin to the “Internet Moment” for personal computers. Just as the internet revolutionized how computers were used, AI is redefining the capabilities and applications of drones across both commercial and military sectors. By enabling drones to operate autonomously, process… Read more: Is the Development of AI the Internet Moment for Drones?

New initiative focuses on passive drone detection in coastal and maritime environments The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Alliance for System Safety of UAS through Research Excellence (ASSURE) have launched a major testing initiative to evaluate passive drone detection systems. The Cape May Ferry UAS Detect, Track and Identify Test Event, taking place from… Read more: FAA and ASSURE Launch UAS Detection Tests at Cape May Ferry Terminal

University of Alaska Fairbanks mission tests remote gas sampling system at Costa Rica’s Poás volcano In early March, a team from the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) used drones to collect gas samples from the crater of Poás volcano in Costa Rica. Their mission, led by research assistant professor Társilo Girona, aimed to make volcano… Read more: Alaskan Drone Team Enters Active Volcano to Advance Safer Research Methods

Networking at industry events doesn’t always happen on the conference floor—and AUVSI Lone Star is proving just that with their exciting XPO Rodeo. This official kickoff event for XPONENTIAL 2025 promises an unforgettable evening of networking, entertainment, and Texas-style fun. Mark your calendars for Monday, May 19th, from 7–10 PM CDT at The Rustic in… Read more: Kick Off XPONENTIAL 2025 with AUVSI Lone Star’s XPO Rodeo in Houston!

Frankfurt to Host Global Leaders in Mapping, UAV Innovation, and Smart City Solutions This October by DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian J. McNabb INTERGEO, the world’s leading trade fair for geodesy, geoinformation, and land management, recently announced that ticket sales had begun for their flagship gathering to be held this October in Frankfurt Am Main.  According… Read more: INTERGEO 2025 Opens Registration for World’s Largest Geospatial Tech Event