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United States

Drone policy, incidents, and industry news across the United States — from statehouses to the national airspace.

2,628
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Sep 14
Last updated
NEO Humanoid Robot
Zipline

1X’s $20,000 NEO Humanoid Robot Launches With A Catch: It Needs Humans To Do Your Chores

California-based 1X Technologies opened pre-orders this week for NEO, the first consumer-ready humanoid robot designed to handle household tasks—but Wall Street Journal testing revealed a surprising reality. The $20,000 robot that promises to fold your laundry and load your dishwasher can’t actually do any of that autonomously yet. Every task requires a remote human operator…

FCC Grants Itself Retroactive Power To Ban DJI Drones, Shell Companies Face December Deadline
DJI

FCC Grants Itself Retroactive Power To Ban DJI Drones, Shell Companies Face December Deadline

The Federal Communications Commission voted 3-0 yesterday to grant itself unprecedented authority to retroactively ban equipment from companies on its Covered List, directly targeting DJI’s rapidly expanding network of shell companies ahead of a critical December 23 deadline. The FCC can now block devices containing Covered List components and revoke previously authorized equipment in specific…

Drone Surveillance Nets $300,000 Fine For California Homeowner Who Says He “Wasn’t Even Home”
Legal

Drone Surveillance Nets $300,000 Fine For California Homeowner Who Says He “Wasn’t Even Home”

A California homeowner faces a staggering $300,000 fine after a city drone recorded illegal fireworks at his property on July 4th—even though he insists he wasn’t there. The case, part of a nearly $1 million drone enforcement crackdown in Stanton, raises troubling questions about warrantless aerial surveillance, constitutional protections against excessive fines, and whether property…

DJI Mini 4 Pro vs Mini 5 Pro: The Biggest Upgrade Has Nothing to Do With Image Quality
Department of Homeland Security

Wisconsin Proposes Law Letting Police Shoot Down Drones Despite Federal Ban

Wisconsin lawmakers are circulating legislation that would authorize police to shoot down drones they deem threats to public safety—a move that directly contradicts federal law making it a felony to destroy any aircraft, including drones. The bill, coauthored by Rep. Chuck Wichgers (R-Muskego) and Sen. Julian Bradley (R-New Berlin), would grant law enforcement unprecedented authority…

FDNY Drone Saves Life In East River Rescue, Dropping Buoys To Mark Drowning Victim
DJI

FDNY Drone Saves Life In East River Rescue, Dropping Buoys To Mark Drowning Victim

An FDNY drone successfully rescued a person from the East River on Saturday, using cutting-edge technology to drop flotation markers that guided emergency crews to a drowning victim near the Queensboro Bridge. The life-saving operation demonstrates the tangible value of New York’s massive investment in emergency response technology. The rescue showcases how drones have evolved…

Rochester Police Gets $8M For Surveillance Drones And Cameras To Monitor Protests—Part Of Hochul’s $127M Statewide Push
Bell

Rochester Police Gets $8M For Surveillance Drones And Cameras To Monitor Protests—Part Of Hochul’s $127M Statewide Push

New York Governor Kathy Hochul is investing $127 million in law enforcement surveillance technology across the state, with Monroe County receiving $24 million—the largest share of any county. Rochester Police Department plans to use $8 million of its allocation to upgrade a 20-year-old blue light camera system and purchase additional drones specifically for crowd control…

Trump Jr.-Linked Unusual Machines Lands Major Pentagon Drone Contract Amid Ethics Concerns
Skydio

Trump Jr.-Linked Unusual Machines Lands Major Pentagon Drone Contract Amid Ethics Concerns

Florida-based Unusual Machines has secured its largest Pentagon contract to date, winning a deal to supply 3,500 drone motors and components to the U.S. Army—just months after Donald Trump Jr. joined the company as an adviser with a $4 million stake. The Financial Times first reported the contract award on Friday, reigniting conflict-of-interest concerns that…

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