Autonomous kinetic interceptor drones for intercepting hostile drones with AI control

CDDS AG

Förrlibuckstrasse 10, 8005 Zürich, SchweizNew on Amplifa

Founded by co-founders before theORIGIN

2023Research result as founding basis

ZurichLocation

About CDDS

CDDS AG, headquartered in Zurich, develops and manufactures autonomous kinetic interceptor drones for intercepting hostile unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) of Groups 1 and 2 up to 25 kg. Each interceptor uses onboard AI with real-time decision-making and detects, tracks and neutralises targets regardless of their shape or RF emissions. The system integrates with external detection and C2 (Command & Control) solutions and is designed for use against drone swarms. Upon impact, the interceptor breaks apart into many small pieces to keep collateral damage low. The founding in 2023 was inspired by research results from ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich showing that autonomous drones outperform human world-class pilots in drone racing. A team of robotics and hardware engineers develops the systems to protect people and critical infrastructure. Key point: production and development take place at the headquarters in Zurich.

Site: Zürich
Processes: Autonomous kinetic counter-UAS interceptor drones (Group 1 & 2, up to 25 kg), Onboard AI target detection and tracking in real time, Integration with external detection systems and C2 solutions, Interception of drone swarms, Abort mechanisms with low collateral damage
Certificates: Abort mechanisms & controlled landing, Fragmentation on impact, ISO 9001
Industries: Defence/Security, Protection of critical infrastructure

01
System development (robotics and hardware engineering)
02
Manufacturing of the interceptor drones
03
Integration of onboard AI
04
Integration of external detection/C2 systems
05
Testing, iteration and product improvement
06
Deployable systems for customer operations

Technologies & Processes

Onboard AI for target detection, tracking and neutralisation in real time without external guidance

Vision

Vision as the sole sensor input source, independent of RF emissions or target shape

Kinetic

Kinetic interception method with fragmentation into small pieces to minimise collateral damage

Locations

Zurich

Headquarters

Products

**CDDS Interceptor**Autonomous kinetic interceptor drone · Defence/Security

Inside the production

Industries

Defence/SecurityProtection of critical infrastructure

Additional services

Autonomous kinetic counter-UAS interceptor drones (Group 1 & 2, up to 25 kg)Onboard AI target detection and tracking in real timeIntegration with external detection systems and C2 solutionsInterception of drone swarmsAbort mechanisms with low collateral damage

Quality & Safety

The interceptor features multiple safety mechanisms for risk mitigation: abort possible at any time, followed by stabilisation and a controlled landing at the nearest designated landing site; upon impact, fragmentation into many small pieces.

Evidence	Zurich
Abort mechanisms & controlled landing
Fragmentation on impact
ISO 9001

History

2023
Research at ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich shows that autonomous drones outperform human world-class pilots in drone racing – the inspiration for founding CDDS
Founding of CDDS by co-founders against the backdrop of the growing threat from unmanned systems