Anduril Alums Raise $24M to Modernize Military Logistics

The Shift Towards AI-Powered Logistics in Modern Warfare

As global geopolitical instability increases, Silicon Valley is significantly investing in defense technologies. While much attention focuses on hardware and weaponry – exemplified by companies like Anduril, Shield AI, and Skydio – Rune Technologies is concentrating on developing AI-driven software solutions for military logistics.

Current Logistics Challenges in the Military

Currently, the U.S. military heavily relies on outdated methods for logistical operations, frequently utilizing Excel spreadsheets, whiteboards, and manual processes. Co-founder David Tuttle emphasizes that logistics often receives less technological focus than weapons development, despite its critical importance.

Innovation in logistics typically lags behind other areas of military technology. Tuttle’s background – as a former field artillery officer and Joint Special Operations Command member, coupled with his experience at Anduril – provided him and co-founder Peter Goldsborough with firsthand insight into the evolving demands of modern warfare.

The Impact of Modern Conflict on Logistics

The conflict in Ukraine serves as a stark illustration of the substantial consumption of munitions and supplies in a high-intensity, near-peer conflict. These conditions expose the limitations of traditional, human-dependent, and analog-based logistical systems.

Introducing TyrOS: An Intelligent Supply Web

Rune’s primary offering, TyrOS, aims to revolutionize these manual processes by creating intelligent supply webs. This system is designed to anticipate future requirements, optimize existing resources, and facilitate operations even in disconnected environments.

Recent Funding and Expansion Plans

Following successful pilot programs with the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps, Rune Technologies has secured a $24 million Series A funding round. This investment, led by Human Capital with participation from Pax VC, Washington Harbour Partners, a16z, Point72 Ventures, XYZ Venture Capital, and Forward Deployed VC, will be used to broaden the deployment of TyrOS across additional U.S. military branches.

Key Features of TyrOS

TyrOS possesses two core strengths. First, it functions as a sophisticated mission command system specifically tailored for logistics. The system leverages deep learning models, including time series analysis, to forecast the demand for and availability of essential assets.

These assets encompass personnel, transportation, equipment, food, and other vital resources, taking into account numerous environmental and supply-related factors. A logistician must consider not only current supply levels but also the vehicles available for transport, qualified personnel to operate them, and potential route disruptions.

Integrating Generative AI and Mathematical Optimization

Rune’s team, comprised largely of veterans, is actively integrating generative AI into TyrOS to facilitate “course of action generation.” This will enable the system to process vast datasets from real-time battlefield environments, allowing logisticians and commanders to quickly query the system for insights.

However, TyrOS also utilizes traditional mathematical optimization techniques for tasks requiring precise calculations, such as planning aircraft loads based on volume and weight constraints.

Edge-First Architecture and System Flexibility

A second crucial aspect of TyrOS is its edge-first architecture. This design minimizes reliance on constant connectivity to remote servers, allowing the system to function independently and synchronize data when communication is restored. Essentially, TyrOS is “cloud-capable, but not cloud-required.”

Developing software for disconnected environments, like a jungle outpost, presents unique architectural challenges compared to cloud-based software development. Furthermore, TyrOS is designed to be both cloud- and hardware-agnostic, ensuring compatibility with existing military infrastructure.

Strategic Partnerships and Future Vision

Rune’s investors include leaders from Palantir and Anduril, creating potential avenues for collaboration. The company was recently selected for the Palantir Startup Fellowship and has integrated with Palantir’s Defense OSDK to automate logistics across tactical and strategic levels.

Rune’s ultimate goal is to bridge the gap between tactical intelligence and strategic decision-making. The company aims to impact not only short-term sustainment but also long-term production decisions within the defense industrial base.

“We’re focused on how to translate tactical data into strategic insights, potentially even influencing the production of critical resources like artillery shells,” Tuttle explained.

Note: Peter Goldsborough is a volunteer with the U.S. Marine Corps Cyber Auxiliary.

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