XTEND secures U.S. patent for autonomous navigation technology

XTEND has developed systems to improve drone autonomy in challenging environments. Source: XTEND

XTEND Reality Inc. provides software and AI-powered robots for situations that are hazardous for humans. The company, which plans to merge with JFB Construction Holdings, last week secured a U.S. patent for technology that enables drones to autonomously navigate toward mission objectives.

U.S. Patent No. 12,222,735 , with corresponding patent protection also granted in Israel, covers technology that enables continuous direction of an uncrewed aerial vehicle ( UAV ) toward an operator-designated destination, independent of the surrounding environment. The invention enables autonomous systems to adapt their navigation while maintaining progress toward mission objectives, reducing operator workload and supporting reliable mission execution in complex operational environments.

“Autonomy is not simply about moving a robot from Point A to Point B. It is about translating human intent into reliable mission execution, even in unfamiliar, dynamic environments,” said Aviv Shapira, co-founder and CEO of XTEND. “This patent aims to protect technology that enables operators to focus on the mission while autonomous systems manage the complexity of navigation.”

“As autonomous operations continue to expand across defense, security, and public safety applications, protecting these foundational technologies strengthens our competitive position and reinforces XOS as the software foundation for the next generation of autonomous robotic systems,” he said.

The proprietary XTEND Operating System ( XOS ) is designed to provide autonomy at the edge. Operating across defense , law enforcement, and private security missions through a platform of robots, drones, and robotic subsystems, XTEND said its open architecture platform facilitates scalability across partners and third-party applications.

Founded in 2018, XTEND said that more than 10,000 of its systems have been deployed in over 30 countries and that they have been validated in five combat zones. The Tampa, Fla.-based company added that it it delivers NDAA -compliant solutions through a global network of regional XFAB manufacturing facilities in the U.S., the U.K., Singapore, Israel, and Latvia.

As autonomous systems become increasingly central to defense, public safety, and critical infrastructure missions, operators often must execute missions in environments that cannot be fully mapped or predicted in advance. XTEND said its technology enables robotic systems to navigate evolving terrain, structures, obstacles, and operational conditions while maintaining focus on the designated objective, helping improve operational efficiency and mission continuity.