The world of drones and autonomous operations is advancing rapidly, with innovative companies at the forefront like Hextronics and TEAL. In this episode of the “Dawn of Autonomy” podcast, hosted by Dawn Zoldi, CEO of P3 Tech Consulting and publisher at Autonomy Global, we delve into the advancements these companies are making in enabling true autonomy.

Meet the Innovators: Curtis Lary and Robb Monkman

Curtis Lary, Founder and CEO of Hextronics, and Robb Monkman, CMO of TEAL, join the discussion to share their personal backgrounds and the exciting developments at their respective companies. Both being entrepreneurs, they’ve carved unique niches in the ever-evolving tech landscape. Monkman’s journey began with entrepreneurial ventures in IoT and EV charging before taking on a pivotal role at TEAL, driving their mission to provide always on connectivity to critical solutions globally. Meanwhile, Lary has been passionate about mechanical engineering and autonomous motion, leading to his venture in Hextronics, which focuses on building autonomous drone stations.

TEAL: Pioneering Network Orchestration

In the world of drones, connectivity is crucial, especially for BVLOS  (beyond visual line of sight) operations. TEAL stands out by offering a platform that allows devices to connect to any network globally. Teal’s cloud-based services ensure redundancy and failover, which is essential for mission-critical applications. Monkman details how TEAL allows seamless global connectivity: “From urban to remote areas, we offer the flexibility to connect any device onto any network globally.”

Hextronics: Innovations in Drone Power Management

Hextronics has developed advanced drone docking stations that not only house and protect drones but also perform automatic battery swaps. This automation allows for continuous and efficient drone operations, eliminating downtime and boosting operational efficiency. Lary shares his enthusiasm: “With stations that can sustain extreme temperature ranges, from the deserts of Arizona to the cold of Canada, our technology ensures drones are always ready for deployment.”

The Synergy Between TEAL and Hextronics

Together, TEAL and Hextronics form a powerful alliance, bringing unparalleled flexibility and efficiency to autonomous operations. By combining TEAL’s Network Orchestration Service (NOS) with Hextronics’ hardware, drones can operate with extended range and reliability, facilitating numerous applications from critical infrastructure monitoring to emergency response. Lary envisions an era where drones are “unleashed,” capable of extensive missions without being grounded due to battery or connectivity constraints. This vision is shared by Monkman, who emphasizes the role of connectivity as a fundamental enabler of autonomy.

Looking Towards an Autonomous Future

Both leaders agree that the future holds immense potential, with advancements in AI and satellite technology further expanding the capabilities of autonomous systems. Teal and Hextronics continue to innovate, driving the industry forward with their pioneering solutions. As Monkman suggests, “The integration of satellite profiles into our ecosystem is just one of many steps towards creating a tech-agnostic future for connectivity.” Curtis Lary and Robb Monkman are optimistic about the growth and impact their companies will have on autonomous operations.

The episode provides a deep dive into the transformative work happening at Hextronics and TEAL, showcasing how synergy, innovation, and passionate leadership are essential in propelling the realm of drones and autonomy.

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