Drone AI Software
Discover cutting-edge solutions from 6 leading global suppliers
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has successfully conducted flight demonstrations of AI-powered mission autonomy developed for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).
The project leveraged the Hivemind Enterprise development environment provided by US-based Shield AI Inc., reducing the need to manage complex open-source toolchains and enabling greater focus on mission autonomy software.
The end-to-end development and flight integration cycle was completed in just eight weeks, following project initiation in September 2025. During this period, the AI underwent comprehensive training, simulation evaluation, and hardware-in-the-loop testing before being integrated into the Affordable Rapid-prototyping Mitsubishi-Drone initiative (ARMD) UAV.
Field tests were carried out on November 7, 2025, in the Inashiki District of Ibaraki Prefecture, followed by further demonstrations on December 18 in Ota City, Gunma Prefecture. The ARMD platform used for these tests is a fixed-wing craft with an engine power source, featuring a 2.5-meter wingspan and a takeoff weight of 20 kg.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries considers the domestic production of mission autonomy a critical technology for future UAV operations within Japan. Following the success of these rapid development milestones, the company intends to strengthen its collaboration with Shield AI Inc. to further accelerate the evolution of autonomous systems. Through the application of these technologies, the organization aims to address complex operational challenges and contribute to a more secure society.
