Lantronix has unveiled a new AI-enabled Drone Reference Platform aimed at accelerating the development of both defense and commercial unmanned aerial systems. Designed to meet US security standards, the platform allows developers to move from concept to prototype within weeks by integrating computing power, sensors, and flight control into a single architecture. At its core is the Open-Q 8550 µSOM powered by Qualcomm’s Dragonwing QCS8550 processor, delivering up to 50 TOPS for real-time onboard AI decision-making. The Linux-based system supports thermal and optical payloads, including native FLIR Hadron integration, and uses the Pixhawk PX4 autopilot for flexible flight control. By entering the drone sector, Lantronix is expanding beyond traditional IoT hardware as it targets a rapidly growing global UAS market.
