Reliable Robotics Secures $100M for Autonomous Cargo Planes

Revolutionizing Cargo Transport with Autonomous Aircraft

Typically, when transporting cargo internationally, a pilot is required for both takeoff and landing procedures. As famously depicted in the 1980 film Airplane, the remainder of the flight can largely be managed using instruments. Reliable Robotics is addressing the necessity of having a pilot physically present in the aircraft by developing a system that allows for remote piloting from the ground when needed, enabling the plane to autonomously navigate to its destination for the majority of the journey.

Securing Funding for the Future of Flight

Several venture capital firms, including Coatue Ventures, Lightspeed Ventures, Eclipse Ventures, Teamworthy Ventures, and Pathbreaker Ventures, share this vision. They have collectively invested $130 million in the Mountain View, California-based company. Recently, Reliable Robotics announced a $100 million Series C funding round, spearheaded by Coatue Management.

These funds will be allocated to expanding the team and progressing towards the first aircraft certification program. This will pave the way for commencing commercial cargo operations.

Developing and Testing Autonomous Systems

Initially, the company is concentrating on developing automation systems for currently operational aircraft. Testing and development have been ongoing with a Cessna 172, which has already successfully completed unmanned flights over the past couple of years.

In September 2019, Reliable Robotics successfully operated a Cessna 172 without a pilot onboard in airspace near San Jose, California.

From Stealth Mode to Industry Leader

Founded in 2017, Reliable Robotics operated discreetly until recently. Their technology is designed to manage all phases of flight – encompassing taxiing, takeoff, landing, and parking – with licensed pilots remotely monitoring flights from a central control center.

The company asserts that its systems are capable of automatically landing on smaller airstrips in rural or isolated locations, without necessitating any additional infrastructure or technological upgrades at the airports.

Addressing the Cost of Pilot Expenses

The core business rationale is straightforward: pilot costs represent a significant expense in cargo operations. This parallels the challenges faced in road-based trucking, where the majority of the work is repetitive and drivers are a common point of operational risk.

Substituting qualified pilots with autonomous systems, which can be remotely overridden when necessary, promises to reduce costs and dramatically increase aircraft utilization.

Industry Recognition and Support

“We believe Reliable Robotics is a leader in aircraft automation for commercial aviation,” stated Jaimin Rangwalla, a senior managing director at Coatue. “The team’s clear vision, demonstrable certification progress, and proven industry achievements greatly impressed us. We are proud to support Reliable’s objective of being the first to introduce FAA-certified, remotely piloted systems to the market.”

Expanding Access to Air Transportation

The company’s primary focus is on connecting regional and municipal airports nationwide. Initially, they aim to enhance the efficiency and reduce the expenses associated with cargo transportation. Reliable Robotics also envisions a future where passengers can travel on these remotely piloted aircraft.

Furthermore, the company is actively evaluating the potential of emerging electric and hybrid aircraft platforms.

Navigating Safety Concerns and Regulatory Oversight

Understandably, there is public concern regarding the safety of self-driving vehicles – and the added complexity of autonomous aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is closely monitoring Reliable Robotics and other companies in this sector.

However, the agency has already authorized several experimental unmanned aircraft operations.

Collaboration and Future Outlook

“We appreciate our public-private partnership with the FAA and NASA as we work to integrate our Remotely Operated Aircraft System into the airspace. Our intention is to deliver unprecedented safety and reliability to today’s commercial aircraft,” explained Robert Rose, co-founder and CEO of Reliable Robotics. “Strong collaboration with public institutions, substantial investment from forward-thinking investors, and significant interest from the cargo industry are all accelerating our mission to broaden access to air transportation for everyone.”