U.S. Air Force gives additional funding to Palladyne AI

Palladyne AI has received additional funding from the U.S. Air Force to advance its Palladyne IQ software, which enables robots to perceive and adapt to dynamic real-world environments. This funding is part of a multi-million-dollar Phase II contract with the Air Logistics Complex at Warner Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, where Palladyne AI is working to automate complex remediation tasks on aircraft components. The company recently completed key Military Utility Assessment milestones, including autonomous media blasting on aircraft parts and automated sanding at height using commercial robotic systems, demonstrating both the technical feasibility and operational value of their AI-driven robotic automation. The project is in its second year of a potential four-year effort under the Air Force’s Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) program, initiated through AFWERX AFVentures. Palladyne AI’s software operates on the edge, reducing programming effort and enabling autonomous capabilities for industrial and collaborative robots in complex environments. Beyond defense, the company highlights broad applicability of its technology across sectors