US tech helps Australian drone capabilities hit new high

California-based Skydio makes advanced, AI-driven, autonomous drones. They are safer and easier to operate than manually piloted drones. This is especially valuable when organisations need to monitor vast sites or inspect large physical structures.

In 2021, Skydio made Australia one of its first stops in a program of global expansion. Today, the company’s customers include emergency services, local law enforcement and giant mining companies.

‘We are democratising drone technology,’ says James Finch, Regional Manager for Skydio, Australia and New Zealand. ‘AI has an enormous impact on how organisations use drones safely and efficiently. Thanks to a progressive regulatory landscape, Australia is a great place to expand our high-tech, autonomous capabilities.’

Autonomous, dual-use drones

Skydio was founded in 2014. The company now employs more than ​700​ people worldwide and has manufactured ​more than ​55,000 drones. It designs and assembles drones from its headquarters in San Mateo, California.

‘We produce more than 1,000 drones per month,’ says Finch. ‘Our drones are “dual use”: they can be deployed across all areas of government and industry, from national security and public safety to utilities and mining.’

Skydio’s key differentiator is its world-leading autonomy.

‘We built the skills of an expert pilot into our hardware and software so operators can fly further and safer – day or night,’ says Finch. ‘They can take on difficult, dangerous and time-sensitive tasks. This includes situations where the safety of people and the protection of critical infrastructure are paramount.’

Australia: a natural base for global expansion

Skydio built an Asia-Pacific hub in Australia in 2021. It has a growing team of 6 Australia-based employees, including engineers.

According to Finch, one reason for selecting Australia is the country’s advanced, pro-drone regulatory landscape.

‘We see Australia as a leading nation in emerging technologies, especially drones,’ he says. ‘The Civil Aviation and Safety Authority (CASA) was the first regulatory authority in the world to introduce drone legislation in 2002.’

Finch says adaptive regulation has enabled commercial drone-use to expand quickly. This means Australia is now far ahead of other countries in terms of how drones are used.

‘Australia is the perfect ecosystem for tech companies to trial and test new drones,’ he says.

Skydio’s autonomous drones make the inspection of critical infrastructure safer and more efficient.

Improved safety around civil infrastructure

Finch reports that autonomous drones are improving safety and efficiency across Australia. This includes tasks such as the inspection of critical infrastructure.

‘Until recently, contractors had to hire heavy, expensive machinery to inspect the underside of major bridges,’ he explains. ‘Now we can use autonomous drones to gather higher-quality data in a way that’s much safer than physical inspections.’

Increasing mine site efficiency

Skydio is working with some of Australia’s biggest companies.

Giant mining companies in Queensland and Western Australia use Skydio autonomous drones for asset inspection and photogrammetry modelling. This involves creating 3D models from pictures taken at multiple angles.

‘Our AI-based drone-handling technology makes it easy even for less experienced pilots to conduct complex and dangerous tasks in mining environments,’ says Finch.

‘The drones largely do it themselves and they have in-built, intelligent fail-safes where an operator can always establish control,’ he adds. ‘This boosts safety and makes mine-site inspections far more efficient.’

Combating bushfires

Skydio drones have also played a crucial role in emergency responses to wildfires in the United States.

‘Utilities deploy drones to assess fire spread, inspect infrastructure damage, and identify safe zones for field crews,’ says Finch.

‘Their ability to navigate rugged terrain and provide thermal imaging makes them indispensable for real-time situational awareness.’

Austrade aids inward investment

Finch says Austrade has provided timely advice during Skydio’s investment journey.

‘The US-based adviser was extremely helpful,’ says Finch. ‘Over a period of 12 months, we gained valuable information about the Australian market. Advisers also provided insights into the industries in which our technology is suitable.

‘In Australia, advisers have assisted with regulation and certification requirements,’ he adds. ‘They also helped us gain a presence at the biennial Avalon Air Show, which took place in Victoria in 2025. This was very much appreciated.’

Flying to greater heights

Skydio’s operations in Australia and New Zealand will now aid expansion into the wider Asia-Pacific region, including Singapore and South Korea.

‘Our drones are trusted by 25 countries and across all branches of government – from civilian to non-civilian uses,’ says Finch. ‘Australia is one of our first investment destinations in a program of global expansion. What we do here will aid that expansion.’