Drones & Robotics AI Summit Charts Path to Quantum Autonomy

Heven AeroTech has engineered the Z1 hydrogen-powered drone for defense applications. Source: IonQ

The Drones & Robotics AI Summit kicked off last month at Pillsbury's New York offices with Ghost Robotics' CEO Gavin Kenneally showcasing the company's Vision 60 robotic quadruped. As he detailed its numerous deployments with the U.S. military, the captivated audience buzzed with anticipation.

Physical AI has truly matured. Industry estimates indicate venture and private equity investment in this sector surpassed $30 billion over the past year, more than doubling previous activity. The landscape has shifted dramatically since last year's summit: humanoid robotics hype, OpenClaw, and now autonomous weapons are transforming conflicts in the Middle East and Europe.

These opportunities will expand further with progress in generative AI and the emerging potential of quantum computing.

Ghost Robotics CEO Gavin Kenneally demonstrated the Vision 60 robotic dog at The Drones & Robotics AI Summit in New York last month. Credit: Mara Zalite

Heven AeroTech founder shares journey to 'unicorn' status

Following the event, I met with Bentzion Levinson, founder and CEO of Heven AeroTech, in Jerusalem during a lull between missile alert sirens. Over an hour-long conversation (free from interruptions), he recounted his UAV company's early path to becoming Israel's newest unicorn startup.

A key insight from our discussion was his embrace of quantum computing to enhance sensor data processing, facilitated by a broad partnership with IonQ, Heven's largest external shareholder. Levinson outlined his company's evolution and its dedication to addressing practical challenges for military personnel globally.

"After my military service, where I served as a combat commander, I volunteered for a national project," he recalled. "That project made me realize the incredible potential of drones. However, most drones on the market at the time—and still many today—were essentially flying cameras or sensors, often manufactured in China."

It was 2018, and the Israeli border with Gaza faced persistent threats from incendiary kites and balloons. Levinson spearheaded efforts to use drones for autonomously detecting and quickly extinguishing these fires.

"We initially deployed drones to spot fires, then evolved to using them for firefighting," he explained. "That marked our transition from flying cameras to flying robotic platforms."

This insight—moving from mere data collection to actionable intervention with UAVs—sparked his billion-dollar vision.

Nathaniel Bazydlo of NUAIR, Jeff Causey of Causey Aviation, Greg James of DroneUp, and Jodi Goldberg of Pillsbury examined UAV regulatory frameworks in New York. Credit: Mara Zalite

Drone startup defines two primary use cases

From these early experiences, Levinson identified two core use cases: rapid response and heavy payload delivery.

"The first is tactical, applicable to both defense and commercial scenarios," he continued, drawing from his background. "For missions like firefighting, you don't need to travel far. The critical factor is arriving within minutes to make a decisive impact."

"The second use case involves operating within a 10-mile radius, focusing on carrying substantial payloads," Levinson added. "This requires drones built for heavy lifting and stable flight. While the exact payloads may vary, we must be prepared to support diverse customer needs. This realization highlighted that many future applications will demand longer operational ranges."

Transitioning from batteries to hydrogen-powered UAVs

While collaborating with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the former soldier encountered these limitations directly, motivating him to address the market gap with his current hydrogen-fueled UAV.

"Batteries are suitable for short-range missions, but they lack the energy density for long-distance operations," Levinson explained. "Conventional drones often use combustion or jet engines, but these produce noticeable heat and noise signatures."

"Such signatures make them less viable for many defense applications and problematic for commercial use," he noted. "Imagine the disturbance of numerous loud drones overhead. Therefore, combustion or jet-powered aircraft face scalability challenges in civilian airspace. This led us to hydrogen fuel cell technology."

"Our initial product line features heavy-lift, battery-powered drones capable of carrying up to 100 pounds, extending our original concept," Levinson stated. "The second line, developed over the past five to six years, specializes in long-range, stealth missions using hydrogen fuel cells, now supported by our refueling infrastructure. We are the sole provider of long-endurance, autonomous hydrogen drones certified for use by the U.S. and Israeli governments."

Justin Rubin of Pillsbury (right) hosted Douglas Bush, former assistant secretary of the Army for acquisition, logistics, and technology (left), offering guidance to startups on Department of Defense procurement processes. Credit: Mara Zalite

IonQ partnership advances Heven's quantum computing integration

In November 2025, IonQ spearheaded a $100 million Series B investment in Heven as part of a strategic technology alliance. IonQ's Chairman and CEO, Niccolo de Masi, remarked, "By integrating IonQ's leading quantum technologies, Heven AeroTech will unlock unprecedented UAS capabilities. This collaboration equips Heven's drones to execute missions with unmatched precision, resilience, and security."

Levinson elaborated on the partnership with IonQ and the novel innovations he is implementing through quantum computing.

"Late last year, we closed a major funding round at a billion-dollar valuation, led by IonQ, a public company and a leader in the quantum ecosystem. This investment supports our expansion into new technologies, including quantum systems," he said. "Since then, our focus has shifted to scaling production. We are establishing a large-scale facility that will serve as both a drone gigafactory and an innovation hub."

He mentioned this gigafactory will be located in Virginia to be closer to its primary customer base in the Washington, D.C. area. Levinson enthusiastically described how quantum technologies supercharge autonomy, akin to generative AI on steroids.

"Drone platforms are ultimately judged by their mission performance, which involves diverse operational profiles," Levinson noted. "Our challenge is heightened in environments like open ocean, where GPS is unavailable, making navigation exceptionally difficult."

"This need for reliable communication led our research teams to quantum technologies—specifically quantum sensing for navigation and quantum networking for communications," he explained. "These solutions allow our systems to navigate and communicate globally without relying on GPS or emitting detectable signatures."

The drone innovator continued: "Alternative navigation methods exist, such as vision-based systems that analyze ground imagery, but these fail over featureless terrain like oceans. Some companies use fiber-optic links on small drones for communication, yet these are impractical over vast distances. That's why we turned to quantum sensors and advanced atomic clocks for navigation."

A full audience engages with the defense technology panel featuring David Skinner of Griffiss Institute, Bentzion Levinson of Heven Aero, David Franco of Wild West Systems, and Ryan Eppley of Root Access. Credit: Mara Zalite

Networking and sensor advancements strengthen IonQ's market position

In September 2025, shortly before investing in Heven, IonQ acquired Vector Atomic, a leader in advanced quantum sensors for positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) applications. Vector reported over $200 million in government contracts related to national security.

The company noted its technology portfolio included "high-performance atomic clocks, synchronization hardware, gravimeters, and inertial sensors, reinforcing IonQ's unique position as the only quantum firm integrating advanced computing, networking, and sensing on a unified platform."

IonQ stated the Vector acquisition solidified its competitive edge in the expanding quantum sensing and navigation market, which includes rivals like SandboxAQ, Q-CTRL, Infleqtion, Lockheed Martin, and RTX.

"We are collaborating with IonQ, the global leader in quantum standards today," Levinson said. "Together, we are miniaturizing these systems for drone integration."

After describing quantum navigation in GPS-denied settings, he highlighted its potential for stealthy, long-range communication.

"Communication is another critical area. Short-range links are vulnerable to jamming," Levinson pointed out. "While options like satellite communication and Starlink exist, they often emit detectable signatures that can reveal a drone's location."

"Quantum networking, where quantum sensors communicate with each other, enables secure, undetectable data exchange," he detailed. "This method is inherently resistant to jamming and interception."

The entrepreneur summarized the Heven-IonQ relationship: "IonQ's leadership in our latest funding round underscores the depth of our partnership. We believe these technologies are vital for ensuring drone effectiveness in future conflicts. If our drones can navigate and communicate covertly, it represents a paradigm shift."

This advantage is compounded by the cost efficiency of Heven's platform, further enhanced by quantum-enabled sensors.

"Our systems typically cost about 5% of traditional military drones," Levinson claimed. "They are multi-role platforms, offering far greater value per flight hour compared to single-use alternatives. We deploy them as mother ships to launch various capabilities—heavy-lift, long-endurance, quantum-enhanced drones. So, we deliver superior capability at a fraction of the cost."

Matthew Walsh of Waymo and Lydon Sleeper of Joby Aviation explore the complexities of deploying urban autonomous systems. Credit: Mara Zalite

Competition looms for hydrogen-powered defense drones

Currently, Heven operates in a relatively open market. While firms like Doosan produce hydrogen UAVs, and Elroy and Sabrewing manufacture hybrid models, Levinson asserts no competitor currently offers the same combination of long-range, heavy-payload capability with low observability in GPS-denied environments.

However, the competitive landscape is evolving. Companies such as Shield AI, AeroVironment, Kaman, and new entrants are poised to enter this growing defense technology sector, potentially challenging Heven's market share. In the long term, Heven's quantum collaboration with IonQ may become its most defensible advantage.

"We've been pioneers and hold a strong early-mover advantage, with five to six years of solving complex technical challenges," Levinson stated. "We anticipate more players will enter this space. Our robust IP portfolio, patents, and strategic technology partnerships position us well. We are focused on achieving scale and field deployment, confident in our leadership role."

Physical AI panel featuring Erik Nieves of Plus One Robotics, Rosalind Shinkle of Tuesday’s Lab, Nadav Orbach of RealSense, Duncan McIntyre of FieldAI, and Adam Hopkins of Sensetics. Credit: Mara Zalite

Last month, Kara Jones, Rebecca Breeden, and I hosted the annual Drones & Robotics AI Summit 2026. We extend our gratitude to all speakers, participants, attendees, and our partners: GENIUS NY, ff Venture Capital, Arkenstone Capital, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, Evercore, NUAIR, Samson Rose, HAUS, Punch Financial, Qapita, and AUVSI Empire State Chapter.

Speakers included Jeff Burnstein, Matthew Walsh, Erik Nieves, Rosalind Shinkle, Nadav Orbach, Duncan McIntyre, Adam Hopkins, Ben Verschueren, Joe Jones, Bentzion Levinson, Ryan Eppley, Jacob Andreesen, and the GNY cohorts. For more insights, listen to the Machine Minds Podcast.