LUCAS Drones To Be Built In Containerized Robotic Micro Factories Designed To Be Forward Deployed

The United States Department of Defense awarded California robotics company Machina $9 million to demonstrate containerised production of airframes for the Low-Cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System, or LUCAS. The 18-month contract was awarded through the Organic Industrial Base Modernization Challenge and covers a demonstration using Machina’s RoboCraftsman system. The project will assess whether transportable manufacturing equipment can produce the airframes at deployed locations and reduce dependence on distant suppliers for finished structures. The award funds the demonstration, with a separate decision expected on whether to expand production to additional locations after the trial.