American Robotics gains FAA waiver to fly drones over people and moving cars

In the United States, American Robotics, a subsidiary of Ondas Holdings, announced on January 3, 2025, the acquisition of an additional Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) waiver. This development underscores the company's reputation and reliability within the drone industry. The Optimus System, a key product developed by American Robotics, is the only unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to have received FAA Type Certification for security and inspection purposes, further solidifying its role in advancing autonomous drone operations. The waiver is not merely a regulatory accomplishment; it confirms the robustness of American Robotics' technology and the trust established with federal regulators. Timothy Tenne, the CEO, emphasized the significance of this achievement in advancing industry-scale capabilities, marking it as a considerable stride towards enhancing drone operation standards in complex regulatory landscapes. The Kestrel airspace management and C-UAS solutions complement the Optimus System, providing operational capabilities essential for addressing various industrial and governmental needs. As part of its initiatives, the company has organized a Drone as First Responder (DFR) event on January 16, 2025, where demonstrations of these advanced drone technologies will be showcased. This event aims to promote understanding and engagement within the industry by illustrating potential practical applications of the drone technology. The cooperation of American Robotics with the FAA reflects a shared commitment to advancing aviation regulations that accommodate innovative technologies while ensuring safety. As the company prepares for the new FAA Part 108 framework, these regulatory successes place it at the forefront of the drone industry, specifically concerning automated operations beyond visual line of sight, without requiring a human operator to be on-site.