A new compute module from US firms Lantronix and Swarmer aims to give small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) greater onboard processing power for AI-driven missions.
The platform combines Lantronix’s Open-Q 6490CS module with Swarmer’s autonomy software to deliver four times more processing power than current systems.
Together, the technologies are designed to enable advanced visual navigation, automated target recognition, pixel lock, and collaborative autonomy.
The integration maintains existing connectivity while adding the computing capacity needed to run AI models, process optical sensor data, and support autonomous flight directly on the drone.
According to the companies, the approach allows Group 1 drones to adapt to evolving mission requirements through software updates rather than requiring new hardware.
“Our collaboration with Lantronix will produce a compute platform that is capable of running AI models on the edge in a small form factor that is optimized for Group 1 UAS,” said Alex Fink, president and US chief executive officer of Swarmer.
“We believe this will become the new industry standard compute solution for small unmanned systems, and every unit will arrive pre-populated with Swarmer OS and Swarmer’s cutting-edge autonomy.”
The Core Tech
Swarmer’s software is compatible with a range of autonomous systems, including fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, ground vehicles, and maritime vessels.
It enables a single operator to plan, monitor, and execute missions involving hundreds of drones through a unified hardware architecture.
The Open-Q 6490CS complements the software by providing a compact computing platform optimized for size, weight, and power requirements.
Its onboard AI processing supports operations in environments where GPS signals are disrupted or communications are degraded, reducing reliance on cloud-based computing.
The module also reportedly meets US security standards, supporting deployments with US and allied users while addressing supply chain and availability concerns.
