HUNTSVILLE — A Texas company known for robotic weapons systems has joined the University of Alabama in Huntsville’s Invention to Innovation Center (I2C) to drive advancements in autonomous defense technologies.
According to a news release, the partnership positions Allen Control Systems at the heart of North Alabama’s thriving defense and aerospace ecosystem, a region renowned for innovation, military alliances, and cutting-edge research.
“We are dedicated to being on the forefront of innovation in defense technology to safeguard our military and partners ensuring dominance on every battlefield,” said Steve Simoni, co-founder and CEO of ACS. “We look forward to joining the I2C community, a leader in defense research with deep roots in aerospace, and becoming an important part of the ecosystem in Northern Alabama.”
By collaborating with UAH, Austin, Texas-based ACS will accelerate research, foster industry-academic innovation, and develop next-generation robotics solutions that redefine the future of autonomous warfare.
“I2C, a regional initiative focused on advancing technology-driven ventures, sees this partnership with ACS as a pivotal step toward addressing the complex challenges of UAS proliferation on the battlefield,” said I2C Director Rigved Joshi. “Innovation thrives when talent and expertise come together and by connecting academia and industry, we’re cultivating an environment where students, startups, and experts can unite to exchange ideas and drive impactful solutions for the future.”
Bullfrog, ACS’s proprietary advanced robotic hardware and software weapon stations, powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning, enables any legacy or modern weapon system to achieve precise engagements at any target and significantly increase the accuracy of existing battlefield weapons.
“What we’re trying to do is change the battlefield economics,” Simoni said. “Right now, we’re shooting down drones … with like $100,000 missiles and the drones cost $1,000.
“So what we’re trying to do is use an AI-powered machine gun, which a bullet costs a dollar, to shoot down.”
Bullfrog represents a significant enhancement over current remote weapon stations, which are typically operated via analog joystick, the company said. ACS’s autonomous weapon stations are the most practical and effective countermeasure to the rapidly proliferating unmanned threat and are needed by every organization responsible for national security.
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