Shield AI recently launched V-BAT Teams, a software product that works with its flagship product, Hivemind, to allow teams of V-BAT drones to execute missions autonomously. The company's president and co-founder, Brandon Tseng, emphasized the significance of AI-piloted systems to the U.S.'s deterrence strategy in a recent Senate testimony. However, he noted that integrating AI pilots into the Department of Defense's force structure has been challenging.
Key takeaways:
- Defense tech startup Shield AI has expanded its latest funding round with an additional $300 million in equity and debt, bringing its total Series F to $500 million. The company’s valuation now stands at $2.8 billion.
- Shield AI is developing an “AI pilot” to transform aircraft into autonomous systems. Its flagship product, Hivemind, will allow teams of aircraft to operate independently of remote operators, communications or GPS.
- The company recently launched V-BAT Teams, a software product that works with Hivemind and enables teams of V-BAT drones to execute missions autonomously and in coordination.
- In a recent testimony before the U.S. Senate, Shield AI's president and co-founder stressed the importance of AI-piloted systems to the country’s overall deterrence strategy, but noted that incorporating AI pilots into the DOD’s force structure had been challenging.