Key Takeaways
• Shield AI acquires Data Driven Readiness (DDR) software assets from Crowdbotics to enhance AI pilot training and post-mission analytics
• DDR’s flight data analysis capabilities will be integrated into Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy platform
• The move aims to build trust between human and AI pilots while accelerating performance evaluation in military missions
• Key personnel from Crowdbotics, including Julian Capps, will join Shield AI to continue work on AI-driven defense systems
Shield AI, a prominent U.S. defense technology company focused on developing autonomous flight systems, has officially acquired the Data Driven Readiness (DDR) software and associated intellectual property from Crowdbotics, Inc.
This acquisition is set to expand the functionality of Shield AI’s core autonomy platform, Hivemind, by incorporating DDR’s advanced post-flight analytics and mission readiness evaluation tools.
The DDR platform is designed to process, visualize, and assess flight performance data, originally built to help fighter pilots rapidly debrief and improve their operational proficiency.
Shield AI plans to integrate this capability directly into its Hivemind ecosystem, which currently powers AI-driven flight in GPS-denied and communication-challenged environments.
• DDR enables rapid post-mission debrief by visualizing and analyzing pilot flight data
• Shield AI’s Hivemind platform will now include DDR tools to measure and improve AI pilot readiness
• The integration focuses on developing trust between human operators and AI pilots in mission-critical environments
Enhancing Hivemind with Data-Driven Debrief Tools
The integration of DDR into Hivemind allows Shield AI to provide a unified training and mission evaluation platform. The new solution will cover:
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Real-time performance analytics for human and AI pilots
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Objective measurement standards for post-mission evaluation
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Enhanced support for manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) scenarios
Christian Gutierrez, Vice President of Hivemind Solutions at Shield AI, emphasized the significance of the integration:
“Building trust between human pilots and AI pilots is essential for embracing advanced autonomy and concepts such as manned-unmanned teaming, or MUM-T… integrating DDR will strengthen Hivemind’s autonomy debrief capabilities.”
According to the company, this addition directly supports its broader vision of delivering turnkey autonomy systems that are adaptable, mission-ready, and trusted by defense operators globally.
Key Talent Joins Shield AI for Continued Innovation
As part of the acquisition, members of the DDR team at Crowdbotics will transition to Shield AI. Among them is Julian Capps, formerly Managing Director of Defense at Crowdbotics, who is now taking an active role in the continued development of integrated training tools within the Shield AI ecosystem.
“DDR is best in class for analyzing flight data and pilot proficiency… we’re excited to join Shield AI’s mission to deliver autonomous defense solutions.”
This seamless transition ensures both technological continuity and product expertise as Shield AI moves to scale the DDR platform within its existing AI architecture.
Supporting Global Defense with AI-Enhanced Readiness
Founded in 2015, Shield AI has become a key player in the defense autonomy space, with operations spanning the United States, Ukraine, UAE, and Australia.
The company is known for its work on the V-BAT vertical takeoff and landing unmanned aircraft system, as well as wide-area motion imaging tools via Sentient Vision Systems.
By acquiring DDR, Shield AI continues its momentum toward providing scalable, data-driven solutions to meet the modern challenges of military readiness and tactical coordination.
Christian Gutierrez noted the broader implications of the deal:
“This is a powerful addition that accelerates our vision of delivering turnkey autonomy: solutions that are performant, adaptable, and trusted to meet the evolving needs of our customers. We’re also thrilled to welcome key members of the DDR team to Shield AI.”
The acquisition of DDR marks a pivotal moment for Shield AI’s growth in autonomy and training.
By embedding quantifiable performance insights into every mission cycle, the company strengthens both its product offerings and the foundations of trust necessary for successful collaboration between human pilots and AI systems.
Shield AI’s integration of DDR underscores a growing trend in defense innovation: the convergence of autonomy, data science, and real-time analytics to create smarter, safer, and more responsive military technologies.
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