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Autonomous defense drone technology is evolving rapidly, transforming how we secure airspace, manage robotics traffic, and apply AI to mobility. At a recent demonstration at Lawrence Technological University in Michigan, Munro Live captured cutting-edge innovations in robotics, drone swarms, electric motors, and AI-driven navigation—all engineered with scalability, cost-efficiency, and national defense in mind.
Startups and established players alike presented groundbreaking innovations. Each tackled complex challenges using lean design, lightweight materials, and agile development. As the industry accelerates toward deploying millions of autonomous units—both in the air and on the ground—the demand grows for universal control systems, smarter electric motors, and scalable manufacturing solutions.
The Rise of Swarm Robotics and Universal Traffic Management
One of the standout voices at the event was Jon Rimanelli, founder and CEO of ASX. Based in Detroit, ASX is pioneering what may become the “digital license plate of the future”—a universal traffic management (UTM) system for autonomous ground, aerial, and aquatic robots.
With over 1.2 million drones and 800,000 ground-based robots already active in the U.S., the company is projecting 8 to 10 million autonomous agents operating in the public space within the next five years. This rapid growth presents a major question: How do we ensure safety and coordination among robotic systems?
ASX’s answer lies in leveraging connected vehicle infrastructure—originally built to support human-driven vehicles—for robot licensing, authentication, rerouting, and collision avoidance. Unlike conventional passive systems, their solution integrates ultra-low-latency computers (under 1ms) directly into robots, allowing real-time decision-making and environmental adaptation.
Their next-generation onboard computer targets a retail price under \$50. It can embed into any mobile system—from delivery robots to military surveillance UAVs. The device integrates seamlessly with secure networks, restricted zones, and payment platforms. Just as important, it enables rapid emergency re-routing—a critical feature for autonomous systems navigating unpredictable environments.
ASX has already secured multiple contracts with the U.S. Air Force and Michigan Defense Center, paving the way for a large-scale rollout across Southeast Michigan and potentially nationwide.
Swarm Defense: Affordable and Scalable Military UAVs
Connor McAfee of Swarm Defense introduced another vital technology at the event: a high-speed, high-volume drone swarm platform built entirely in-house at their Auburn Hills facility. These drones, ranging from commercial light-show units to military-grade swarm-capable UAVs, are designed for modularity and rapid deployment.
With a capability to launch thousands of units from a single controller, Swarm Defense drones are used in both counter-UAS testing (simulating enemy swarms) and offensive missions (payload delivery). The firm’s unique value proposition lies in speed, affordability, and autonomy.
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Cost: $1,500 per drone on average, with scalable options to reduce costs further
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Speed: Up to 130 mph with flight durations up to 15 minutes depending on battery load
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Payloads: Ranging from 2 lbs for light models up to 10 lbs for heavy variants
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Production Rate: 12,000 units annually, with room for scale
Their systems excel in military simulations, secure payload delivery, and high-mobility reconnaissance. They offer government and commercial clients flexible, scalable, and cost-effective alternatives. In contrast, traditional defense contractors often struggle to match this level of agility and affordability.
Motor Innovation: Beating Rare Earth Dependency
In another standout demonstration, a veteran motor designer with over 25 years of experience unveiled a slinky-wound stator motor. This innovative architecture eliminates manufacturing waste and delivers superior performance. It even outperforms traditional motors that rely on rare earth magnets—marking a major step forward in sustainable electric motor design.
This advanced motor design leverages:
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Slinky-Wound Laminations: Minimizes waste compared to conventional stamped laminations
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Pressed Powder Metal Poles (Somaloy): Reduces weight while maximizing magnetic efficiency
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Transverse Flux Architecture: Increases torque density using a dual axial and radial rotor configuration
By surrounding the stator with magnetic flux, the motor generates high torque and strong performance. It avoids the cost and supply chain challenges tied to rare earth materials. This represents a true lean engineering breakthrough—delivering greater output at lower cost. Even better, the design supports fully automated manufacturing in Detroit.
Notably, the company’s miniaturized versions of these motors, including 3D-printed drone propulsion units, show promise for applications ranging from personal delivery drones to high-speed reconnaissance vehicles.
Lean Design Meets Defense Applications
One common thread across all showcased technologies was their adherence to lean manufacturing and design principles. From reducing production waste to maximizing modularity and minimizing component count, these innovations exemplify what Munro & Associates has long championed: do more with less, and design with purpose.
Each firm demonstrated:
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Scalable solutions built for mass production
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Efficient material use to cut costs and weight
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Smart control systems for autonomous adaptability
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Rapid prototyping cycles for agile engineering
Whether through additive manufacturing, modular PCBs, or software-defined motion control, these companies are pushing the envelope in ways that resonate with OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and defense contractors alike.
Actionable Insights: Why This Matters for Automotive Engineers and Investors
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Autonomous Systems Are Here to Stay: Engineering teams should begin integrating UTM compatibility into future vehicle designs—both for V2X communication and swarm management.
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Non-Rare Earth Motors Are Viable: The transition away from expensive and geopolitically sensitive magnet materials is underway. If your design relies on rare earths, it’s time to re-evaluate.
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Cost-Effective Swarm Solutions Exist: For investors, Swarm Defense represents a compelling startup in the scalable defense robotics space. For OEMs, their model offers a roadmap for fast, decentralized manufacturing.
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Connected Infrastructure Has Dual Use: Existing traffic communication systems can be repurposed for robot traffic management, lowering the barrier for city-wide deployments of autonomous systems.
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Innovation Is Happening in Michigan: Whether you’re a supplier, startup, or investor, Michigan is becoming a hub for autonomous and electric defense tech. The ecosystem is maturing—and it’s worth engaging with early.
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