Lantronix Launches Innovative Drone Reference Platform to Boost UAV Development
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lantronix Inc. (NASDAQ: LTRX), a prominent provider of compute and connectivity IoT solutions, has unveiled a new Drone Reference Platform aimed at expediting the production cycles of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). This NDAA- and TAA-compliant platform is designed to help original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) move swiftly from concept to a flight-ready prototype, shortening development time from months to weeks.
Accelerating Drone Development with Edge AI
Lantronix is solidifying its foothold in the defense and commercial drone markets by collaborating with an increasing number of UAV and component manufacturers. The company's Drone Reference Platform incorporates advanced Edge AI capabilities, which are crucial for real-time decision-making and autonomy in drone operations.
This platform facilitates mission-critical applications, including:
- Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR)
- Security and perimeter monitoring
- Industrial inspection and infrastructure monitoring
- Navigation and obstacle avoidance in difficult environments
Through real-world flight applications, OEMs can deploy AI models, gather training datasets, validate performance, and support the transition to production hardware seamlessly.
Technical Details of the Drone Reference Platform
At the core of this platform is the Lantronix Open-Q™ 8550 series µSOM, which utilizes the Qualcomm® Dragonwing™ QCS8550 System on Chip. This setup is paired with both Ubuntu and Yocto Linux, comprehensive sensor and flight-control integrations, and extensive reference documentation, all within a compact footprint optimized for airborne AI tasks.
The platform is equipped with:
- Open-Q 8550 µSOM: Delivers high-performance edge compute capabilities for onboard analytics and autonomy.
- Linux-based software stack: Allows for the swift deployment of AI/ML models, enhancing development cycles.
- Integration with FLIR Hadron 640: Provides enhanced thermal/RGB video pipelines for ISR and navigation.
- Pixhawk + PX4 integration: Ensures reliable flight control and performance.
- Turnkey development kit: Reduces hardware setup time significantly.
Strategic Importance for UAV Manufacturers
Mathi Gurusamy, Chief Strategy Officer of Lantronix, emphasized the platform's significance: “The Drone Reference Platform advances Lantronix’s position as a foundational technology partner for next-generation UAV programs. By delivering a fully integrated solution that combines edge compute, sensing, and flight control, we’re enabling OEMs to innovate faster and reduce risks.”
Investor Implications and Market Outlook
With the global drone market projected to soar to $57.8 billion by 2030, Lantronix is strategically positioned to capture the escalating demand for secure, high-performance Edge AI platforms that support long-term, scalable drone solutions. Their foray into turnkey drone compute solutions enhances their role as a key supplier across various UAV markets, encompassing both defense and commercial sectors.
Lantronix Inc. (NASDAQ: LTRX) continues to lead in Edge AI and Industrial IoT solutions, facilitating critical operations across diverse applications, including smart cities and unmanned systems.