Palladyne AI Secures Additional U.S. Air Force Funding, Achieves Key Milestones in Robotic Surface Finishing

Palladyne AI Corp., a leading developer of AI software for robotic platforms, has announced the receipt of additional funding from the U.S. Air Force. This comes under the multi-million-dollar Phase II contract awarded by the Air Logistics Complex at Warner Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. The funding is part of a four-year effort that began in 2023 and emerged from the Air Force’s highly competitive STRATFI program, which supports innovative technologies through AFWERX AFVentures. Palladyne AI recently completed several Military Utility Assessment milestones, showcasing its advanced capabilities in automated surface finishing tasks. One of the key achievements was the successful demonstration of autonomous media blasting on complex aircraft components using the Fanuc M710 robot. The Palladyne IQ software, central to this achievement, provided precise control over blasting parameters such as stand-off distance, path width, angle of incidence, and speed. This capability is crucial for maintaining and restoring aircraft surfaces efficiently and safely. Another significant milestone was the completion of teleoperated and autonomous sanding tasks using a Universal Robots UR10e robot paired with a compliant end effector. The software enabled high-precision sanding across contoured, overhead, and at-height surfaces, allowing for customizable sanding areas and patterns. These demonstrations highlight Palladyne AI's ability to enhance robotic dexterity and user control, making complex tasks more accessible and automated. Ben Wolff, President and CEO of Palladyne AI, emphasized the importance of these milestones: "Through our work with the U.S. Air Force, we are making significant strides with the Palladyne IQ software and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with robotic automation. These recent successes not only demonstrate technical feasibility but also operational value, particularly for the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex." The Palladyne IQ software operates on the edge, significantly reducing the effort required to program and deploy robots. It allows industrial robots and cobots to rapidly achieve autonomous capabilities in dynamic and complex environments. The platform's design prioritizes precision, minimal training time, and lower power consumption, setting it apart from existing solutions. Palladyne AI's technology has broad applications beyond the military. In industries such as automotive, aviation, construction, and logistics, this software can automate tasks that are often labor-intensive and require human expertise. The company also foresees its use in UAVs, UGVs, and ROVs, enhancing their performance and expanding their utility. By integrating AI and machine learning, Palladyne AI aims to equip machines with human-like intelligence, enabling them to observe, learn, reason, and act autonomously. This approach is expected to boost the return on investment for various types of machines, whether fixed, flying, floating, or rolling. The company's focus on reducing programming complexity and improving efficiency is positioning it as a key player in the future of robotics. Industry experts have praised Palladyne AI's achievements, noting the potential of its technology to transform robotic capabilities in critical industries. The forward-looking nature of the company's software platform aligns with the increasing demand for automation solutions that can handle complex and variable tasks. As Palladyne AI continues to develop and refine its technology, it is well positioned to deliver significant advancements in robotics and automation. Palladyne AI Corp. (NASDAQ: PDYN and PDYNW) is a publicly traded company known for its cutting-edge AI and machine learning software. Founded to bridge the gap between human and machine intelligence, the company is dedicated to creating solutions that enhance the capabilities of robots across multiple sectors. For more information, visit www.palladyneai.com or connect with Palladyne AI on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/palladyneaicorp. This announcement underscores Palladyne AI's commitment to innovation and its strategic alignment with defense and commercial sectors. The company's progress in achieving these milestones and securing additional funding from the U.S. Air Force indicates strong confidence in the practical applications of its AI technology. Forward-looking statements in this press release reflect Palladyne AI’s current expectations and beliefs. Readers are cautioned that these statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual outcomes may differ. Detailed risk factors are outlined in Palladyne AI's filings with the SEC, which can be accessed via the SEC’s website.