This article is based on an official press release from Palladyne AI.

Palladyne AI Secures Air Force Contract to Integrate Satellites into Autonomous Swarms

Palladyne AI (NASDAQ: PDYN), a developer of artificial intelligence software for robotic platforms, has announced a significant new contracts with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). The agreement focuses on the “HANGTIME” project, an initiative designed to bridge the gap between disparate defense systems by creating a unified, autonomous network that spans from ground robots to high-altitude Drones.

The contract, awarded by the AFRL’s Information Directorate (RI) based in Rome, New York, tasks Palladyne with deploying its proprietary SwarmOS™ platform. This software will coordinate autonomous assets across multiple domains, air, land, maritime, and space, allowing them to share intelligence and execute complex maneuvers without heavy reliance on human operators. Following the announcement, market data indicated a surge of approximately 30% in Palladyne AI’s stock price, reflecting investor confidence in the company’s software-focused defense strategy.

Project HANGTIME: Breaking Down Defense Silos

The project is officially titled “Hierarchical Adaptive Networked Game-Theoretic Integration of Multiple Echelons,” or HANGTIME. It is being overseen by the AFRL’s Information Fusion Technology Branch (AFRL/RIEA), which specializes in maximizing situational awareness through data fusion.

According to the company’s press release, the primary objective of HANGTIME is to solve the “siloed” nature of modern warfare. Currently, assets such such as UAV, naval vessels, and satellites often operate on independent systems that struggle to communicate in real-time. This fragmentation limits the speed at which warfighters can identify and respond to threats.

Caleb Williams, Program Manager at AFRL/RIEA, emphasized the strategic importance of this initiative in the official announcement:

“The HANGTIME effort represents a critical step in multi-domain autonomy for coordinated execution in challenging environments.”

, Caleb Williams, Program Manager, AFRL/RIEA

While the specific financial value of the HANGTIME contract was not disclosed in the release, this award follows a pattern of deepening ties between Palladyne and the U.S. Air Force. In late 2023, the company secured a $13.8 million contract with the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex for robotic maintenance work, suggesting a growing reliance on Palladyne’s technology within the service.

SwarmOS™ and Cross-Domain Integration

At the core of this new contract is SwarmOS™, the defense-grade variant of Palladyne’s commercial software platform. Described as “embodied AI,” the Software enables machines to observe, learn, and act collaboratively. Unlike traditional remote-control systems that require a one-to-one ratio of pilot to drone, SwarmOS allows a single operator to manage a “swarm” of diverse assets.

Integrating the Space Domain

A key differentiator for the HANGTIME project is the integration of satellites into the tactical network. This marks the first time Palladyne will extend its autonomous coordination capabilities into the space domain. By linking high-altitude assets with low-altitude drones and ground robots, the system aims to create a “vertical” network of intelligence.

Dr. Denis Garagic, Chief Technology Officer at Palladyne AI, highlighted the technical breakthrough required to achieve this level of synchronization:

“The HANGTIME project is a breakthrough that unites high-altitude assets and situational unmanned systems into one coordinated sensor network… For the first time, a single AI framework can coordinate assets across multiple domains, including satellites.”

, Dr. Denis Garagic, CTO, Palladyne AI

The software is designed to be platform-agnostic, meaning it can operate on hardware from various manufacturers. This interoperability is essential for the Air Force, which utilizes a vast array of legacy and modern systems.

Strategic Context and Market Impact

This contract serves as a validation of Palladyne AI’s recent strategic pivot. Formerly known as Sarcos Technology and Robotics Corporation (NASDAQ: STRC), the company rebranded in March 2024. The move signaled a shift away from manufacturing heavy hardware, such as industrial exoskeletons, toward a focus on AI and software for robotic control.

Ben Wolff, President and CEO of Palladyne AI, stated that the technology is designed to enhance human decision-making rather than replace it entirely:

“This isn’t about replacing humans, it’s about giving them sharper, faster insight.”

, Ben Wolff, CEO, Palladyne AI

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AirPro News Analysis

The HANGTIME contract aligns closely with the Pentagon’s broader vision for Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2). The Department of Defense has prioritized the development of networks that connect sensors from all military services, Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Space Force, into a single cloud-like ecosystem.

By demonstrating the ability to link satellites with tactical drones via SwarmOS, Palladyne positions itself as a potential key enabler of the JADC2 architecture. Furthermore, the shift toward “attritable” systems, low-cost, autonomous drones deployed in mass, requires sophisticated software to manage the resulting traffic and data. Palladyne’s focus on software over hardware likely offers higher margins and greater scalability, allowing the company to deploy its AI across various third-party platforms rather than being limited to its own physical robots.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the HANGTIME project?

HANGTIME (Hierarchical Adaptive Networked Game-Theoretic Integration of Multiple Echelons) is a U.S. Air Force project aimed at integrating autonomous systems across space, air, and land into a single, coordinated network.

What is SwarmOS?

SwarmOS is Palladyne AI’s proprietary software platform that enables a single operator to control multiple autonomous robots or drones simultaneously, facilitating collaborative behaviors and data sharing.

Did Palladyne AI change its name?

Yes. The company was formerly known as Sarcos Technology and Robotics Corporation. It rebranded to Palladyne AI in March 2024 to reflect its strategic pivot toward AI software.

Sources

• Palladyne AI Press Release