VOXL 2 Autopilot
Flight controller / compute
VOXL 2 is a compact, high-performance autopilot and companion computer module designed to power advanced autonomy in unmanned aerial systems, notably as a core component of the Blue UAS Framework.
Mission Profile
The VOXL 2 serves as a critical embedded computing platform for autonomous drones, integrating both flight control and powerful on-board processing capabilities. Its primary role is to enable advanced autonomy features such as real-time visual-inertial odometry (VIO), object detection and tracking, collision avoidance, and GPS-denied navigation directly on the drone. This edge computing capability reduces reliance on ground stations for complex processing, enhancing operational resilience and responsiveness in diverse environments.
Integrated into the U.S. government's Blue UAS Framework, VOXL 2 meets stringent cybersecurity and supply chain integrity requirements, making it suitable for defense, government, and commercial applications requiring trusted hardware. It provides a standardized, open-source-friendly development environment, leveraging Linux, PX4, and ROS, which accelerates the development and deployment of new drone capabilities by various manufacturers and integrators.
Its employment context spans across military reconnaissance, surveillance, inspection of critical infrastructure, logistics, and advanced research and development for future drone applications. By providing a robust and secure foundation for intelligent flight, VOXL 2 facilitates the creation of highly capable and autonomous drone systems that can operate independently in challenging or contested operational theaters.
Key Features
- ▸High-performance Qualcomm QRB5165 (Snapdragon 865 equivalent) processor for AI and computer vision.
- ▸Integrated PX4 flight controller for precise flight management.
- ▸Designed for compliance with the Blue UAS Framework standards.
- ▸Multiple camera inputs for real-time perception and navigation.
- ▸On-board Visual Inertial Odometry (VIO) for GPS-denied navigation.
- ▸Compact and lightweight form factor suitable for various drone sizes.
- ▸Open-source software stack including Linux, PX4, and ROS support.
- ▸Supports 5G and Wi-Fi connectivity for robust communication.
Specifications
- configuration
- Integrated flight controller and companion computer module
Notable Operators
Comparable Platforms
About the Manufacturer
ModalAI develops US-manufactured perception and communications systems for robots and drones. Its VOXL family of compute-and-autopilot modules is part of the DoD's Blue UAS Framework, used by independent builders and major manufacturers to deliver smaller, smarter, safer aircraft.