Aerovironment to pair with Tomahawk Robotics to operate various connected robotic solutions.

AeroVironment is set to acquire Tomahawk Robotics, a leading provider of AI-driven robotic control systems. This acquisition will pave the way for a more seamless integration of both companies' technologies, resulting in improved compatibility and connectivity of unmanned systems through a unified platform featuring similar control capabilities. This advancement will empower military personnel to effectively employ a range of interconnected robotic solutions on the battlefield, while also facilitating the exchange of information across different domains using a single shared controller.
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Tomahawk Robotics universal Grip controller with Kinesis common control software (Picture source: Tomahawk Robotics)

Under a definitive agreement, AeroVironment will purchase 100% of Tomahawk Robotics' equity for a total price of $120 million, which will be paid in a combination of cash and stock.

Tomahawk Robotics, founded by Brad Truesdell and Matt Summer in 2018, has pioneered the revolutionary Kinesis Ecosystem. This tactical innovation prioritizes the needs of warfighters and centers around Kinesis, an open architecture control system that employs AI enhancements. This system seamlessly integrates battle-proven unmanned vehicles, sensors, and third-party software onto a unified interface. This breakthrough solution, known as the Kinesis Ecosystem, enables precise situational awareness and targeted strike capabilities for human-machine teams on the battlefield.

AeroVironment's CEO and Chairman, Wahid Nawabi, emphasized the strategic significance of the acquisition, citing the value that Tomahawk Robotics' brand and products bring to AeroVironment. Tomahawk Robotics will become part of AeroVironment's Unmanned Systems segment, specifically its small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (SUAS) business unit. Nawabi confirmed that all of Tomahawk Robotics' employees and facilities in Florida will be retained and supported. He also expressed the intention to introduce Tomahawk Robotics' solutions to AeroVironment's extensive network of over 55 allied nations.

Trace Stevenson, Senior Vice President of Unmanned Systems at AeroVironment, highlighted the synergy between their Crysalis operating system and Tomahawk Robotics' AI-enhanced Kinesis platform. This synergy, he explained, brings together top-tier common controller technology with the most widely used unmanned systems in the market. Tomahawk Robotics' Kinesis control system was successfully integrated into AeroVironment's Raven® B and Puma™ 3 AE small unmanned aircraft systems in 2022.

Stevenson went on to emphasize the potential of Tomahawk Robotics' solutions to accelerate the integration of AI and autonomy into AeroVironment's platforms. This collaboration, he noted, combines the collective experience and expertise of both teams to develop unparalleled unmanned vehicles that meet the evolving requirements and high standards of customers.

Brad Truesdell, CEO of Tomahawk Robotics, underlined their commitment to prioritizing the needs of warfighters. He expressed enthusiasm for the broader impact their solutions would have through the acquisition by AeroVironment. This collaboration offers the chance for their solutions to benefit from a wider scope of optimization, not only within AeroVironment's systems but also across the broader robotics community.

The acquisition of Tomahawk Robotics is seen as a strategic move that enhances AeroVironment's ability to provide comprehensive solutions to customers. This includes supporting multiple platforms and offering optimal solutions tailored to operational requirements. The products from Tomahawk Robotics are anticipated to contribute to AeroVironment's goals of achieving an elevated Modular Open System Approach (MOSA), in line with customer expectations. Additionally, the collaboration presents opportunities to expand into new markets and enable interconnected soldiers with a Common Operating Picture, facilitated by AI and autonomy technologies.

Defense News August 2023