Shield AI has signed a strategic agreement with Spain’s UAV Navigation-Grupo Oesía to embed its Hivemind software pilot into the company’s drone solutions, aiming to accelerate deployment of “more capable” autonomous aircraft.
The integration covers Oesía’s VECTOR autopilots and Mission Control Computer, with recent testing validating Hivemind’s ability to execute missions on platforms equipped with the Spanish firm’s flight-control systems.
The companies said future phases of the collaboration will extend the integration to additional platforms within Oesía’s portfolio.
Leveraging ‘Proven’ Technology
Hivemind is designed to enable drones to operate with limited human intervention in contested environments where GPS signals or communications links may be unavailable.
The AI-enabled software allows aircraft to exchange data, avoid obstacles, and carry out coordinated missions without relying on fixed, preprogrammed routes.
Unlike traditional autopilots, Hivemind reportedly adapts mission plans in real time, allowing drones to respond to changing conditions, terrain, and emerging threats.
“Customers require autonomous systems that meet rigorous standards for reliability, integration, and operational performance,” said Chris Brinkley, vice president and head of Europe and Africa at Shield AI.
“This is about making sure Hivemind works seamlessly on the systems our customers are already flying.”
Luis Furnells, chairman and CEO of Grupo Oesía, added that the partnership strengthens interoperability and broadens the capability of his company’s flight-control systems beyond their current performance.
“Shield AI Hivemind brings proven mission autonomy that complements our open-architecture ecosystem,” he stated. “We look forward to building on our interoperability work to deliver greater capability to the platforms and programs that rely on our systems.”
