ModalAI

ModalAI is a drone and robotics technology company based in San Diego, United States. It builds the VOXL 2 companion computer, compact autopilots and ready-to-fly reference drones. The company says it designs and assembles its products in the USA and describes its platform as an open foundation for American drones. Its VOXL SDK is provided as source code and works with PX4, ArduPilot, Docker, OpenCV and ROS.

Computers and reference drones

• VOXL 2: a companion computer with a Qualcomm QRB5165 processor, 15 TOPS of on-board AI and support for five concurrent neural networks.
• Autopilot: a built-in PX4 or ArduPilot flight controller for obstacle avoidance and navigation without GPS.
• Stinger Vision FPV: a reference FPV drone for long-range EO and IR video that the company says is Blue UAS cleared.
• Starling 2 Max: a reference drone used to develop GPS-denied navigation, AI and flight.

Software, partners and compliance

New AI models, sensors and autonomy can be added to VOXL-equipped drones in software after delivery. ModalAI says more than 1,000 partners build on the platform, including makers of defense drones and university labs that run drone swarms. The company states that its drones are NDAA compliant for FPV, inspection and autonomous navigation, day or night.

Key facts

• Based in: San Diego, United States
• Certifications: Blue UAS Framework component, Blue UAS cleared aircraft, NDAA compliant
• Products: VOXL 2, VOXL SDK, Stinger Vision FPV, Starling 2 Max
• Markets: Drone and robot developers, defense, inspection and autonomous navigation