UAV maker turns to auto industry as source of domestic components By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill While Silicon Valley is well-known as a mecca for the launch of flashy high-tech firms, and Detroit as the home of the older, more staid and much less exciting automotive industry, for one autonomous security drone startup the move from the former area to the latter made … [Read more...] about From Cars to Drones: Birdstop Taps Detroit’s Auto Supply Chain to Scale U.S. Manufacturing
Detroit
From The Floor of XPONENTIAL: AIRO and Jaunt Reveal Dual-Use VTOL Aircraft for Defense and Cargo Missions
Jaunt Air Mobility's autonomous slowed-rotor platform targets defense ISR, cargo logistics, and remote operations in two mission variants. AIRO Group Holdings has publicly unveiled its full-scale autonomous VTOL aircraft at AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2026 in Detroit. The Nasdaq-listed aerospace and defense company announced the reveal on May 12, 2026. The aircraft comes from AIRO's … [Read more...] about From The Floor of XPONENTIAL: AIRO and Jaunt Reveal Dual-Use VTOL Aircraft for Defense and Cargo Missions
RPX Technologies Lands Embir-3 Thermal Camera on Blue UAS Framework
The Stillwater, Oklahoma firm secures NDAA compliance and DIU listing for its compact thermal imaging payload aimed at unmanned aircraft and loitering munitions. RPX Technologies has added its Embir-3 thermal camera to the Blue UAS Framework. The Stillwater, Oklahoma-based company announced the listing on May 8, 2026. The camera is now available as a trusted thermal imaging … [Read more...] about RPX Technologies Lands Embir-3 Thermal Camera on Blue UAS Framework
Detroit Trucking Hub Adds Birdstop Drone Monitoring with TSPS
Birdstop's Fealty drone system delivers real-time truck parking visibility at the U.S.-Canada border in partnership with Detroit-based TSPS. Birdstop has begun drone monitoring of trucking sites across Detroit using its new flagship Fealty system. The Michigan-headquartered company announced the launch on May 6, 2026, in partnership with TSPS, Inc. The U.S. trucking industry … [Read more...] about Detroit Trucking Hub Adds Birdstop Drone Monitoring with TSPS
They’re Banned at Airports, so Why are Drones on Sale at Detroit Metro Airport?
(Source: WXYZ) Over the past year, an increasing number of close calls with drones have prompted major airports to stop sales. However, our undercover investigation at Detroit Metro, found no shortage of them on shelves. While drones seem to be innocent toys to some, pilots who've seen them up close know the real dangers. "It was a four bladed drone, the color I'm … [Read more...] about They’re Banned at Airports, so Why are Drones on Sale at Detroit Metro Airport?
