Quantum Aero launches additive-manufacturing drone autonomy project with Konyang University

Quantum Aero moves to secure foundational GPS-denied autonomous-navigation technology, alongside a broader defense-industry cooperation agreement with Konyang University.

Quantum Aero, a defense-AI and mission-autonomy company, announced on July 2 that it has signed both a defense-industry exchange and cooperation agreement and a joint industry-academia R&D project agreement with Konyang University, launching development of autonomous-flight technology for additively manufactured (3D-printed) drones.

The project is a joint industry-academia effort Konyang University is pursuing under its “K-Defense Industry Leading University” vision within the Ministry of Education's Glocal University 30 program. Its goal is foundational technology that compensates for the noise 3D-printed drone-body vibration introduces into IMU sensors, enabling precise autonomous flight even in GPS-denied environments.

Autonomy for GPS-denied environments

As seen in operations such as Ukraine's “Spider Web” and Israel's “Rising Lion,” GPS jamming and spoofing have become routine in modern operating environments, making GPS-independent autonomous flight a decisive factor in a drone's mission persistence and survivability. As on-site production of 3D-printed parts has become standardized on the Ukrainian battlefield, securing navigation accuracy for additively manufactured drones has emerged as an urgent industry challenge.

In this project, Quantum Aero will develop a vibration-compensation algorithm built on its visual SLAM/VIO technology and autonomous-flight software expertise, and validate prototypes using Konyang University's industrial additive-manufacturing infrastructure. The partners aim to produce results including patent applications and working prototypes by the project's completion.

This project combines the university's industrial additive-manufacturing infrastructure with our autonomous-flight software to secure foundational GPS-denied autonomy technology.Min-geun Jo, Business Development Lead

A broader defense-industry partnership

Alongside the project agreement, the two signed a comprehensive cooperation agreement for defense-industry exchange, opening the way for a range of future collaboration, including workforce training, joint R&D and R&BD frameworks, defense-industry technology exchanges, and participation in contract and reserved degree programs.

Jo added that the collaboration will strengthen the company's research network with academia and accelerate the build-out of Korea's own sovereign AI and mission-autonomy ecosystem.

Quantum Aero has recently stood out in defense AI, launching the QA Strike 101 FPV drone, winning selection for the AI autonomous-flight platform track of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups' public-private open-innovation program, and being named a TOP 11 attack team in the Ministry of National Defense's counter-drone competition.