Robotic Innovations at Army Conference

This week, a robotic dog made an appearance at the Army’s largest annual conference in Washington, D.C. Close by, a handheld device was showcased that could disable drones without any gunfire, while a newly designed interceptor aimed to pursue the more advanced and dangerous drones on the horizon.

The event highlighted a rapidly evolving battlefield where the U.S. military and defense sector are in a constant race. They’re not just trying to develop new weaponry; they’re also focused on ensuring that these technologies don’t become obsolete before they even have a chance to be fully operational.

“It’s a constant cat-and-mouse scenario. We have to remain vigilant and look ahead,” Eric Brock, CEO of defense tech company Ondas, shared during an interview at the Association of the United States Army’s (AUSA) annual meeting.

This competitive atmosphere was evident at the AUSA expo, where drones, anti-drone technologies, and autonomous systems filled the exhibition area. The Army is eager to integrate lessons learned from recent conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East into its operational strategies.

“A walk around the hall at AUSA reveals the Army’s top priorities. What we’re procuring reflects those priorities,” said Army Under Secretary Mike Obadal in anticipation of the conference.

One of the innovations showcased was Scout, a four-legged robotic system intended to advance ahead of troops into potentially hazardous environments and relay images back to operators. “The idea is, if Scout encounters fire, it’s preferable to a soldier taking that risk,” Brock noted during the demonstration.

The Army’s new autonomous systems command is part of a broader Pentagon initiative to organize for unmanned warfare. This week, War Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the department is moving towards establishing a four-star-led Autonomous Warfare Command.

Obadal predicted a significant presence of drones and counter-drone systems at the expo, indicating that their prevalence was linked to procurement and budget priorities within the Pentagon. He emphasized that Ukraine’s situation had solidified the need for counter-drone measures as vital to modern military operations.

In light of these developments, the Army announced the formation of a new Futures and Autonomous Systems Command this month. Its goal is to accelerate the integration of autonomous capabilities across various military domains, including aviation, armor, and reconnaissance. Additionally, the Army has expanded drone and counter-drone marketplaces designed to allow U.S. forces and allies to purchase approved systems within days rather than waiting months.

Brock observed that one key lesson from recent conflicts—especially with Iran—was the overwhelming number of threats that defense systems might face. “It’s a question of mass,” he acknowledged, adding, “we need to create affordable, scalable systems.” 

Ondas has rapidly stepped up to meet this demand, with its Mistral subsidiary securing over $240 million in contracts under the Army’s $982 million Lethal Unmanned Systems program, including a new order of more than $50 million announced in August. The firm also acquired DZYNE Technologies this summer in a deal estimated at $875 million, enhancing its lineup of drones and counter-drone systems.

One product, the IonStrike, is designed to intercept incoming drones physically, including one-way attack drones. Brock explained that newer iterations of these threats are being designed to be faster and harder to counter, which, in turn, requires more advanced autonomous systems.

The handheld Dronebuster, which uses electronic warfare to disrupt communications and navigation instead of destroying drones, also made an appearance. A newer, long-range version is expected to be tested by the Office of Naval Research.

This range of tools illustrates the growing complexity of counter-drone strategies, where different drones may require distinct methods of interception. Yet, each advancement can lead to further challenges.

Brock pointed out how the Ukrainian defenders have increasingly developed methods to tackle the Shahed-type drones used by Russia, prompting further refinements in those drones to evade detection. This ongoing cycle is challenging for a Pentagon procurement system that is traditionally slow in developing major weapons—often over years or decades.

During AUSA, the Army was also actively seeking more affordable interception technology, offering up to $20 million as a prize for innovations in combatting aerial and missile threats sustainably.

The focus is shifting away from merely responding to individual drones and interceptions. Ondas has teamed up with Palantir to develop software that connects various sensors, drones, robotic platforms, and command systems into a cohesive autonomous network. Their SkyWeaver system, powered by AI, aims to link intelligence and mission planning seamlessly.

“We’re transitioning from isolated autonomous platforms to a more integrated mission autonomy,” Brock explained, highlighting that this could involve connecting data from high-altitude assets with smaller drones and ground sensors in environments where standard communications might falter.

For Brock, keeping up with these advancements depends increasingly on the ability of the U.S. to produce autonomous weapon systems and defenses in large quantities, something critical for future conflicts. “I feel that’s the primary hurdle,” he stated. “The technology to create interceptors and autonomous systems is available; it’s about scaling production.”

“The real question is whether we can match our adversaries’ production capabilities.”