Shield AI

Shield AI is a startup that wants to change the world of defense and commercial aviation with AI pilots. Its mission is to keep service members and civilians safe with smart systems that can fly even when GPS, communications and human pilots are unavailable.

Shield AI developed Hivemind, an AI pilot that can interpret battlefields and make decisions without GPS navigation, waypoints or prior knowledge. It's the first and only fully autonomous AI pilot in combat since 2018 and can fly on multiple aircraft platforms, including drones and jets. It's been used for tasks like clearing buildings, breaching integrated air defense systems and dogfighting F-16s.

Hivemind-powered aircraft include:

• Jets: Hivemind is being added to F-16s and next-gen aircraft to give them new abilities and full autonomy.
• V-BAT Teams: Multiple V-BATs can be flown on a mission autonomously in an electronically contested environment, responding to adversaries and environment.
• V-BAT: A tactical, logistically simple VTOL aircraft that can fly group 2 to group 5 mission sets. It's been adopted by the US and allied militaries for a variety of missions.
• Nova 2: For close quarters operations, Nova 2 flies with full autonomy thanks to Hivemind.

The company's technology has applications beyond the military, including civil logistics, cargo transport and oil and gas inspection. Its autonomous systems are designed to offer safer, more economical alternatives to traditional approaches.

The company has won several awards and contracts, including one with the U.S. Coast Guard. Shield AI's technology has the potential to dramatically change the aviation industry, improving the abilities of both military and commercial aircraft.

Published on August 4, 2024