Reliable Robotics raise $160m for autonomous flight development

Reliable Robotics raise $160m for autonomous flight development

by | Apr 22, 2026 | Avionics, Innovation

US-based aerospace developers Reliable Robotics have closed a US$160 million funding round to accelerate their autonomous aircraft systems. The Reliable Autonomy System (RAS) aims to improve the safety of aviation while being fully integrable with existing infrastructure across the US. This latest funding round will help the startup advance operations as they seek Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval by 2028.

Robert Rose, CEO and co-founder, Reliable Robotics, said:

Aviation is vital to our economy and national security, but to meet demand it needs to be able to scale safely. Automation eases constraints, enabling us to realise greater levels of throughput at even higher levels of safety.

Air cargo is Reliable’s first target for automation. In March 2026, the company announced they were joining the Department for Transportation’s Advanced Air Mobility Integration Pilot Program. The US Air Force have also tapped Reliable’s technology for improving logistics around the Indo-Pacific region. General Richard D. Clarke, former commander, U.S. Special Operations Command, commented:

Reliable’s dual-use approach to aircraft autonomy, grounded in leading FAA certification progress, is delivering operational capability today. Autonomous systems give US forces the agility and freedom of movement needed to execute modern operational concepts, and Reliable is positioned to deliver this mission-critical advantage where it matters most.

Recently-conducted FAA flight demonstrations have also tested how Reliable’s autonomous technology will operate within existing airspace limitations and airports. Its employee base has tripled in recent years, and the funding will unlock further opportunities for the Californian startup to expand.

Join us at Aerospace Tech Week 2026 to discuss the future of autonomous avionics.

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NASA and Reliable Robotics to test uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS)

NASA and Reliable Robotics to test uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS)

by | Dec 10, 2025 | Avionics, Innovation

Reliable Robotics has signed a contract with NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD) to test its Cessna 208B Caravan at airports. Data collected from the flights will help inform the FAA and Standards Development Organizations (SDOs) as they set regulations for uncrewed aircraft systems.

Providing the tech for continuous autopilot engagement through all phases of flight, including auto-taxi, auto-takeoff and auto-landing, Reliable Robotics’ mission is to make flight safer. Designed for cargo operations, the company will use the new agreement with NASA to test interactions with air traffic control and potential contingency scenarios. There will be no pilot onboard during the final flight demonstration.

Robert Rose, CEO and co-founder, Reliable Robotics, said:

This testing campaign comes at a unique moment in time, when safety-enhancing aircraft autonomy is rapidly nearing FAA certification and entry into service for regional air cargo and military use cases. Efforts like this are how we continue to advance the necessary public policy ecosystem. We deeply value the continued partnership with NASA to conduct testing that will advance industry-wide efforts to expand remotely piloted aircraft operations at airports.

After the tests, data will be passed on to NASA, FAA, and SDOs to develop Minimum Operational Performance Standards (MOPS) and Minimum Aviation System Performance Standards (MASPS) for UAS. Demonstrating this technology in real-world environments is essential for proving — and enhancing — their safety in advance of commercial launch.

Join us at Aerospace Tech Week 2026 to discuss the future of uncrewed aircraft systems. 

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