Reliable Robotics Secures Funding to Advance Fully Automated Aircraft

The Reliable Autonomy System is designed for use in both civilian and military aircraft. Source: Reliable Robotics

Reliable Robotics Corp. has secured $160 million in new funding to accelerate the deployment and scale up production of its Reliable Autonomy System (RAS). The company states this is the first system capable of achieving Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification for fully automated aircraft operation.

"Aviation is crucial to our economy and national security, but to meet growing demand, it must scale safely," said Robert Rose, co-founder and CEO of Reliable Robotics. "Automation removes key constraints, allowing for greater operational throughput while enhancing safety standards."

Founded in 2017, Reliable Robotics designed the RAS to be compatible with any aircraft and airspace, directly addressing the most frequent causes of aviation incidents. The Mountain View, California-based firm believes its certifiable autonomy technology will lead to safer, more affordable, and more scalable air transportation.

Reliable Robotics works with the U.S. government

"Aviation is the backbone of global mobility, yet preventable accidents, infrastructure limitations, and challenges in increasing aircraft utilization are hindering future growth," explained the company.

Reliable Robotics claims its system can enhance safety, accessibility, and connectivity for both commercial and military aviation. The Reliable Autonomy System is designed to integrate with existing aviation infrastructure and certified aircraft, requiring no modifications to the National Airspace System for commercial use.

The company added that its progress toward FAA certification enables it to support broader U.S. government initiatives to strengthen national leadership in aviation technology. In August of last year, Reliable signed a $17.4 million contract with the U.S. Air Force to provide automated air cargo operations, addressing contested logistics challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.

Reliable is currently pursuing FAA certification for the RAS for commercial operations. The agency has accepted the company's certification plans, means of compliance, and closed initial issue papers. The company is now delivering the required compliance materials according to the agreed-upon plan with the FAA.

"The FAA is building the world's safest and most efficient aerospace system. Advances in autonomous technology must be certified and aligned with the agency's safety objectives," said Lirio Liu, former executive director of the FAA Aircraft Certification Service. "Reliable Robotics has demonstrated a rigorous approach to certifying its autonomy system."

In March, Reliable Robotics and the city of Albuquerque were selected by the U.S. Department of Transportation for the FAA-led Advanced Air Mobility Integration Pilot Program (eIPP). This program aims to accelerate autonomous regional air cargo operations and bring high-level government resources to support Reliable's certification project. Both this initiative and the Air Force program are scheduled to begin operations this year.

"Reliable's dual-use approach to aircraft autonomy, backed by significant FAA certification progress, is delivering operational capability today," said Gen. Richard D. Clarke (ret.), former commander of U.S. Special Operations Command. "Autonomous systems provide U.S. forces with the agility and freedom of movement required for modern operations, and Reliable is positioned to deliver this critical advantage where it's needed most."

Investment to support continued growth

Nimble Ventures led this latest investment round in Reliable Robotics, with continued participation from Eclipse, Lightspeed, Coatue, and Pathbreaker Ventures. New investors include Island Green Capital, Socium Ventures (Cox Enterprises), AE Ventures (a strategic partner of Boeing), RTX Ventures, Presidio Ventures (Sumitomo Corp.), UP.Partners, KAS Venture Partners, What If Ventures, Calm Ventures, Gaingels, and Mana Ventures.

"Autonomy is an essential requirement for achieving maximum safety and performance," stated John Burbank of Nimble Ventures, who will join Reliable's board of directors.

This financing follows commitments for over 200 systems from commercial and military customers. Since its last funding round, Reliable Robotics has nearly tripled its workforce.

The company plans to continue expanding its team and increasing its production facility capacity.