In-Depth Report on Ontario Dual-Use Technologies Released by OVIN

In-Depth Report on Ontario Dual-Use Technologies Released by OVIN

Oct 28, 2026 | Autonomy, Defence, Defence Industrial Strategy, OVIN, OVIN Report, Robotics, Scott Simmie

By Scott Simmie

 

A comprehensive new report on Ontario’s capabilities in dual-use technologies – and how best to advance those capabilities in a changing world – has been released by the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network, or OVIN.

“Driving Dual-Use Technologies: Advancing Ontario’s Mobility and Defence Advantage” is a 74-page document that outlines how Ontario is already well-positioned to become a major centre for technologies that service both defence and civilian purposes. The final 12 pages contain 181 references (including dense reports), so the OVIN document is incredibly well-researched and sourced.

It’s difficult to summarise such a thorough piece of work, but it essentially comes down to a few main streams of thought:

  • Ontario has a wealth of expertise, including more than 300 defence-related organisations (accounting for some 35 per cent of Canada’s total defence industry employment), along with more than 400 companies specialising in connected and autonomous vehicle development and Smart Mobility, plus 700 automotive parts suppliers
  • The province also boasts a concentration of firms at the cutting edge of AI, robotics, sensors, secure communications, battery technologies and more – along with multiple research and testing facilities and other technology infrastructure
  • Collectively, there is tremendous opportunity to create new economic opportunities while strengthening Canada’s national security and technological independence – and it’s an opportune time to remove any barriers and build on synergy

 

The Executive Summary contained many key points, but one paragraph struck us here at InDro in particular:

“Ontario’s mobility ecosystem is particularly relevant because many of the technologies underpinning next-generation transportation systems are increasingly applicable to defence and security,” it reads.

“Autonomous navigation, advanced sensing, intelligent decision-making, software-defined vehicles, secure communications, fleet coordination, and resilient infrastructure are becoming important across both commercial mobility and defence applications.”

These are the very areas where InDro excels – and where InDro partners.

Above: The Cypher Robotics catapult, capable of rapidly accelerating this high-payload, long-range blended-wing drone to launch speed with powerful electromagnetic motors. Below: The Talos, the long-range (7,000km on a single tank of diesel fuel) dual-purpose hybrid ground vehicle, which InDro is in the midst of transforming into a fully robotic and autonomous platform

 

 

A PARADIGM SHIFT

 

Traditionally, defence departments (and, later, space programs) around the world have driven many of the technological developments that eventually made their way into consumer use.

Canned food was invented for Napoleon’s army. Microwave ovens had their genesis in World War II radar research when an engineer noticed that a magnetron tube melted a candy bar in his pocket. The Global Positioning System (GPS) was developed by the US Department of Defence in the Cold War and later was opened up to commercial and civilian use. The internet was originally ARPANET – an advanced, decentralised communication system built by the US to survive node failures. Duct tape, Super Glue, freeze-dried food and even aviator glasses can all be traced to military origins.

In other words, defence innovation has historically been driven by military requirements: Governments identified a need, contracted defence companies to build a solution and eventually purchased what worked best. Somewhere down the road, many of the technologies made their way into consumer use.

But there’s been a shift. Increasingly, non-military companies have been developing breakthroughs in robotics, autonomy, AI, secure communications and other areas for the commercial market – but those innovations have a defence application. An autonomous robot designed for inspecting a remote asset in harsh conditions, for example, can easily be repurposed for situational awareness on the battlefield. A large cargo UGV could be used to transport critical supplies to the front lines. And, of course, we’ve seen how civilian drones, used so widely early in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, led to rapid innovation on the defence front.

“Advanced technologies that were once developed primarily for commercial markets are increasingly being recognized as strategic assets that contribute to defence capability, infrastructure resilience, emergency preparedness, and economic security,” states the report.

Below: A figure from the OVIN report, illustrating key examples of dual-use technologies. 

ECONOMICS

 

That shift has opened the door, particularly in this geopolitical era, to a broad variety of privately developed solutions finding their way into the defence stream. NATO initiatives like DIANA and the NATO Innovation Fund reflect this growing interest in commercially developed defence technologies. And now, in Canada, we have the Defence Industrial Strategy, the Defence Investment Agency, and the Drone Defence Initiative offering unprecedented opportunities for companies that are not traditional prime defence contractors to adapt and evolve dual-purpose solutions. On top of those, there are multiple agencies in Ontario such as OVIN which help advance technologies. OVIN has launched a dedicated stream under its R&D Partnership Fund to support defence and dual-use technologies. The funding is intended to help companies develop, test, validate and demonstrate technologies while reducing commercialisation risks.

Not only does Ontario have the right stuff when it comes to expertise and raw numbers, it also has the infrastructure and a strong existing manufacturing base. In addition, the province has significant stores of minerals required for production of many defence-related items, including cobalt, titanium, tungsten, platinum group elements, and rare-earth minerals. So the province has the potential to reduce its reliance on vulnerable external supply chains.

“OVIN’s Regional Technology Development Sites (RTDS) including facilities such as Area X.O, Ontario Tech University’s Automotive Centre of Excellence (ACE), CORE5, the Catalyst Connected Infrastructure Network (CCIN), and various demonstration and pilot environments provide companies with opportunities to test, validate, and refine technologies under closed-circuit and real-world operating conditions,” states the report.

But it also says there’s room for improvement, including breaking down barriers to entry and strengthening both the domestic and allied supply chain. It recognises the traditional North American supply chain as both advantageous and a potential vulnerability. The long-term goal: Strengthen strategic sovereignty through resilient supply chains, domestic manufacturing and partnerships with trusted allies.

The report also suggests assisting businesses on the ins and outs of procurement and in other areas. Some of these needs were identified in a national survey of 642 small and medium-sized businesses. The report emphasises that dual-purpose technologies will play a greater role in Ontario’s total economic power in the future. There will be significant opportunities in robotics, uncrewed systems, artificial intelligence and autonomous decision-making, says the report. In fact, it suggests there’s an opportunity for Ontario to build a globally competitive autonomous systems cluster. That’s just one of eight strategic opportunities identified in the report.

Below: The dual-purpose, all-terrain InDro Obsidian. The extended-range hybrid electric can be operated remotely but has complete autonomous capability. It could be used for civilian or military purposes

INDRO’S TAKE

 

We applaud OVIN for this thorough and timely report. We are also honoured that InDro Founder and CEO Philip Reece was one of five sources interviewed, along with:

We highly recommend reading the report in full, which you can download here.

Made-in-Canada Defence Solutions Must Accelerate: David McGuinty

Made-in-Canada Defence Solutions Must Accelerate: David McGuinty

Oct 20, 2026 | Defence Industrial Strategy, Defence Investment Agency, Drone Defence Initiative, Industry News, Uncategorized

By Scott Simmie

 

Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS), revealed in February of 2026, wasn’t just another political announcement. It was a monumental, strategic shift in how Canada’s Department of National Defence (DND) will obtain the tools it needs.

“To protect Canada’s sovereignty, build our prosperity, and strengthen our strategic autonomy, the Canadian government must change how we invest in defence,” said Prime Minister Mark Carney on February 17.

One of the core tenets of the strategy is that Canada must foster and grow its own solutions to serve the broad needs of defence and sovereignty. Doing so, said Carney, will not only strengthen the country’s capabilities but also its economy.

“Canada is developing leadership in areas that will be increasingly central to defence, including space, artificial intelligence, cyber, quantum, medical countermeasures, robotics, and drones,” he said, emphasising the DIS will focus on developing and procuring Made-in-Canada solutions, or partnering with allies other than the United States.

“In this century, the work of defending Canada is the work of building Canada,” he said. “Its framework is simple: build, partner, buy.”

Above: Talos, the world’s longest-range military ground vehicle (7,000km), which InDro is converting into a robot. Below: The Prime Minister announcing the Defence Industrial Strategy

Mark Carney, DIS

THE DEFENCE INVESTMENT AGENCY

 

Prior to developing the Defence Industrial Strategy, Ottawa consulted with 17 different countries that already have similar programs – learning how those nations streamlined and improved their own procurement processes. It also consulted with industry, which expressed frustration with the both the time frames and the amount of bureaucracy involved with bidding on federal contracts.

As a result of these consultations – and even prior to the DIS being rolled out – Ottawa announced the new Defence Investment Agency (DIA) on October 2, 2025.

“Canada’s defence procurement is currently fragmented across several departments, slow to consult industry, and too complicated to respond to rapidly evolving military needs – leaving the Canadian Armed Forces waiting years, sometimes decades for critical equipment,” said a news release from the Prime Minister’s Office announcing the new agency.

Carney also announced the appointment of Doug Guzman as Chief Executive Officer of the DIA. Guzman has three decades of high-level experience in finance and investment, including leadership roles at Goldman Sachs and serving most recently as Deputy Chair of the Royal Bank of Canada.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for partnership between government and businesses,” said Guzman. “All at once, we can drive investment, strengthen our national security, and meet our international commitments. We will bring speed and simplicity to the process of arming our military, while building Canada’s industrial capacity.”

Prime Minister Carney stated the DIA would be playing a critical role at a critical time.

“In a dangerous and divided world, Canada’s new government is ensuring the Canadian Armed Forces get the equipment they need, when they need it,” he said.

 

RAPID IMPLEMENTATION

 

Since the announcement of the Defence Industrial Strategy earlier this year, Ottawa has been following through on its pledge to reduce red tape and shorten timelines. One such example was the RED COBALT Uncrewed Systems Accelerator 2026, which brought together leading members of all Canadian armed services with companies working on solutions in August of 2026. It was an opportunity for hands-on demonstrations of the latest in drone, counter-drone and ground robotics technologies. InDro Robotics was one the many companies demonstrating or exhibiting solutions. We wrote about that event here.

One month earlier, the Defence Drone Initiative (DDI) was announced. Led jointly by the Department of National Defence and the Defence Investment Agency, the DDI is identifying specific solutions Canada needs – and ramping up the speed at which qualifying Canadian companies can start working on solutions.

The DDI has multiple initial priority areas, including low-cost tactical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance drones, and Uncrewed Ground Vehicles (UGVs) for logistics and complex terrain. After reviewing applications from hundreds of Canadian companies, the DDI determined that a much smaller number of firms, including InDro Robotics, meet the criteria as a “Qualified Supplier” for all five current streams. The designation places these companies in an optimal position to develop and bid on high priority solutions.

The speed at which all of this is taking place – along with the key role Canadian innovations will play – was recently emphasised by Defence Minister David McGuinty. In a keynote speech opening the 2026 GCXpo, McGuinty made it crystal-clear we are in a new era; one where partnerships and speed are of paramount importance. Here’s his speech:

INDRO’S TAKE

 

As a research and development company, InDro has always had to be agile. Meeting milestones and other deadlines is very much part of our company ethos.

And so is Canada. We are proud to offer world-class, Made-in-Canada solutions – and this extends to the new Defence Industrial Strategy, the Drone Defence Initiative, and whatever else comes in the months and years ahead.

“InDro has carried out multiple previous contracts for the Department of National Defence, creating dual-purpose solutions that can serve our military while also having use-cases on the civilian side of things,” says InDro Founder and CEO Philip Reece.

“We fully understand that Canada and Canadian technology firms are now in a new era – where even greater speed and the very latest technologies will play critical roles in our defence and sovereignty. When it comes to drones, ground robotics and AI, we are ready for that challenge.

“And, as a Canadian company, are proud to help serve this country’s needs.”

 

GCXpo highlights next-gen technologies at Area X.O

GCXpo highlights next-gen technologies at Area X.O

Sep 30, 2026 | Defence, Defence Industrial Strategy, GCXpo, Industry News, Scott Simmie

By Scott Simmie

 

This year’s GCXpo – the showcase of next-generation technologies in the nation’s capital – was the biggest ever.

More than 2400 attendees registered for the event, which included exhibits from 100+ firms. Organized by Invest Ottawa (which owns and operates Area X.O, the exhibit site) and with the support of the Federal Government and others, it was a clear success.

At last year’s event, Defence Minister David McGuinty first flagged that a new Defence Investment Strategy was on its way. The subsequent release of that policy, which commits close to half a trillion dollars in defence spending between now and 2035, meant this year’s GCXpo saw a greater emphasis on defence and other dual-purpose technologies.

The Honourable David McGuinty was here again, kicking off the event with a short keynote address.

“Everyone here today understands how quickly the security environment is changing,” he said.

“Technology is changing the battlespace at extraordinary speed. The cycle between innovation, deployment and countermeasure is getting shorter. Supply chains are under pressure, and the demands on our people and equipment are growing.”

McGuinty said we cannot respond to this environment with systems designed for a different era.

“Ukraine has shown us how quickly militaries must be able to adapt. Uncrewed systems, counter-drone technologies and electronic warfare have become central to the fight. And the pace of innovation has been breathtaking and relentless,” he said.

“The lesson for Canada is clear: Military advantage increasingly depends on how quickly we can test, adopt and scale it – scale the technology.”

Many of the companies at GCXpo came here to signal they are ready for that challenge.

Below: Defence Minister David McGuinty, followed by a counter-UAS interceptor designed in Ukraine that will be built in Canada. Above: An electro-magnetic catapult for launching large fixed-wing drones, from Cypher Robotics

DEFENCE AND AGRITECH

 

The sprawling exhibit area was divided into two zones: One for dual-purpose and defence technologies, and the other for agricultural technologies. In a changing world, even the agriculture technologies took on a new significance.

“Agri-tech is a pillar of Canadian sovereignty, and it is about far more than food,” says the GCXpo site. “It covers secure supply chains, resilient rural infrastructure, and dual-use technologies that move between the field and other sectors.”

The Farm Credit Canada (FCC) Agri-Tech zone was busy, and included:

  • Robotics and autonomous machinery for use in the field
  • AI and analytics for crop health/yield, livestock and resource management
  • New and sustainable production techniques, some of which take into account climate change

There were many impressive new solutions on display and the Agri-Tech area was busy, but there was arguably more buzz around the second zone.

 

ACCENTURE DEFENCE AND DUAL-PURPOSE ZONE

 

Dual-purpose technologies are ones that can be used in both civilian and defence applications. For example, the new InDro Obsidian – a hybrid-electric all-terrain vehicle – could be used to transport emergency supplies in a disaster scenario, or move critical goods to the front lines on a battlefield.

And the TALOS – the world’s longest-range hybrid-electric ground vehicle with a range of 7,000 kilometres – could be used for multiple use-cases in civilian or military applications. The vehicle, which was originally designed to be driven by humans, is currently being transformed by InDro into a robotic vehicle capable of remote teleoperation or even fully autonomous missions. From far north sovereignty and reconnaissance patrols through to transporting critical supplies in a disaster scenario, TALOS is truly a dual-purpose device.

But, in a sign of how quickly the geopolitical scene has shifted, there were many exhibitors whose products and innovations are built solely for military applications. Several companies were displaying drone technologies specifically for the battlefield. These included First-Person View drones capable of carrying explosives designed for taking out larger drones in flight or targets on the ground. One firm had very small but high-speed drones intended for battlefield reconnaissance. Multiple companies had military-style vehicles designed to be remotely operated for moving supplies without putting a human being at risk. There were also several firms with Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) drones.

Some of these solutions will find a place in Canada’s defence supply chain; others will not. The challenge will be to find solutions that won’t quickly become outdated. Though Ukraine is not the only conflict on the planet, the pace of innovation in that war has been astonishing – and was noted more than once by Minister McGuinty. Today’s cutting-edge drone solutions in that war will likely be eclipsed six months from now.

Below: Gallery showing the InDro Obsidian, two images of InDro TALOS, and InDro Founder and CEO Philip Reece

 

InDro Obsidian

INDRO TALOS EXHIBIT

INDRO TALOS SIDE

Philip Reece

INDRO’S TAKE

 

Since its inception as “TCXpo” – where the TC stood for Transport Canada – InDro has participated in every one of these events. We’ve watched this exhibition grow and evolve over time, with 2026 breaking all previous years for attendance. We anticipate the greater emphasis on dual-purpose and defence is a trend that will continue for the foreseeable future.

“The Federal Government’s Defence Industrial Strategy is a prudent and clear path toward greater reliance on Made-in-Canada solutions,” says InDro Founder and CEO Philip Reece.

“The challenge for Canadian companies will be in iterating solutions that stay ahead of the technology curve and provide truly useful, long-term utility for the Department of National Defence. InDro is proud to contribute to those solutions, along with many other dedicated Canadian companies. Collectively, we are dedicated to innovations that will help ensure Canadian sovereignty and preparedness.”

We’ll have more on TALOS in the near future. Stand by.

InDro Robotics stands shoulder-to-shoulder with others for new Defence Drone Initiative

InDro Robotics stands shoulder-to-shoulder with others for new Defence Drone Initiative

Sep 1, 2026 | Defence, Defence Industrial Strategy, Defence Investment Agency, InDro Solutions, Industry News, Scott Simmie

By Scott Simmie

 

InDro Robotics is pleased to announce it has been selected as one of the “Qualified Suppliers” for the recently announced Defence Drone Initiative (DDI), part of the broader Defence Industrial Strategy, or DIS.

Things have been moving incredibly quickly on the defence side of things in Canada. in October of 2025, the new Defence Investment Agency was announced. Its role is to modernise the defence procurement process “by centralizing expertise, cutting red tape and streamlining decisions. This means faster delivery of critical equipment to the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Coast Guard, protecting Canada’s sovereignty and strengthening our armed forces.”

That was followed, in February of 2026, with Prime Minister Mark Carney announcing the Defence Industrial Strategy, stressing the country is at a critical turning point.

The DIS commits the Federal Government to investing some $500B between now and 2035 to enhance our armed forces and defence/sovereignty capabilities. A significant portion will be earmarked for Canadian technology companies. The goal is to bolster Made-in-Canada capabilities and jobs, while reducing traditional reliance on US primes. Defence Minister David McGuinty hammered that point home:

“Today’s announcement reflects the government’s clear commitment to ensuring Canada has secure, timely, and reliable access to the capabilities required to defend our country, protect our sovereignty, and confront current and future threats,” he said.

And in July of 2026, the new Defence Drone Initiative (DDI) was announced, with a goal “to accelerate the development, testing, adaptation, and production of uncrewed and autonomous systems for the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG).

The DDI has six initial priority areas, including low-cost tactical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance drones, and Uncrewed Ground Vehicles (UGVs) for logistics and complex terrain.

“Led collaboratively by the Department of National Defence and the Defence Investment Agency (DIA), the initiative will establish a competitive supply arrangement that connects operational requirements with Canadian innovation and creates a more agile pathway to develop, acquire and integrate these technologies,” it states.

Already, the agency has reviewed applications from hundreds of Canadian companies. From those, it has selected a smaller number that are now designated as “Qualified Suppliers” for the Defence Drone Initiative Marketplace competitive Request for Supply Arrangement (RFSA). Those within that smaller, pre-qualified pool can submit proposals to compete for research, prototype development, testing, demonstrations, and – assuming all requirements are met – potential production.

InDro Robotics is on that list, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with other innovative Canadian firms.

Above: The world’s longest-range vehicle, which InDro is extensively modifying for remote operations. Below: InDro Founder and CEO Philip Reece

 

Philip Reece Area X.O

DEFENCE INVESTMENT AGENCY GOALS

 

With cutting red tape one of its stated goals, the Defence Investment Agency has already begun awarding contracts. They include an initial contract valued at approximately $2.3B for “military communications to support Arctic Sovereignty and National Security,” awarded to Telesat.

“The contract will defend Canadian sovereignty in the Arctic by delivering the first phase of next-generation military satellite communications capabilities for the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) through the Telesat Lightspeed Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation,” states this news release. “This is the first contract awarded following the strategic partnership established in December 2025 between the Government of Canada, Telesat and MDA Space.”

The Defence Investment Agency has some key areas and initiatives it will be prioritising. They are:

  • Air and Space: Radar, surveillance, early warning, air mobility
  • Joint and Digital: “Using advanced technology and training to help protect Canada and North America”)
  • Sea: Modernising submarines/naval fleet to support defence and Arctic sovereignty
  • Land: “Upgrading vehicles, gear and infrastructure to keep the Army mobile, safe and ready for new challenges.” This includes Canadian Forces bases themselves

 

DIS OPPORTUNITIES FOR TECH COMPANIES

 

Buried within those broad categories are many opportunities for selected companies with expertise in long-range RPAS and ground robotics. In fact, InDro has already put in proposals in both of those domains. One of them involves a robotic version of the world’s longest-range vehicle: A rugged hybrid-electric AWD that can travel 7,000km on a single tank of diesel.

This is clearly an opportune time for Canadian suppliers to potentially grow their businesses while contributing to critical national goals. Part of the DIS aims to strengthen economic ties with European allies, meaning opportunities will arise to showcase and potentially sell Canadian innovations to global partners, many of whom are also pivoting on their own traditional reliance on US military and defence manufacturers.

Things are moving quickly. And the recent “RED COBALT Uncrewed Systems Accelerator 2026” event at the new Area X.O Killaloe was a clear indicator of that. Multiple Canadian companies, including InDro, were invited to exhibit defence-related RPAS, ground robotics and more at a hands-on event that included key decision-makers from the Department of National Defence, the Defence Investment Agency, and the Defence Drone Initiative.

Below: The recent RED COBALT event, followed by an image of the long-range vehicle InDro is transforming into a robot

Red Cobalt Area X.O
TALOS

INDRO’S TAKE

 

InDro is proud to potentially play a role in Canada’s defence and sovereignty at this critical point in history – and believe we have several dual-purpose technologies that could prove useful in these endeavours. In addition to the vehicle mentioned above, InDro is also involved with a long-range ISR RPAS that can withstand Arctic temperatures and carry a payload in addition to multiple sensors – which may well prove a fit for the Drone Defence Initiative.

While the Defence Investment Agency has narrowed the playing field, we also know there are no guarantees. The DIA and DDI will, as they should, scrutinise all proposals to ensure that the best selections are made in the interests of the country – and its taxpayers.

“These are, indeed, changing times,” says InDro Founder and CEO Philip Reece. “We have carried out multiple projects for the Department of Defence in the past, and are now laser-focused on these newer and far more ambitious initiatives.

“Yes, we share in the industry’s enthusiasm for potential business opportunities. But even more than that, InDro is proud to be answering Canada’s call for new and innovative technologies we believe will benefit the country at large at this critical point in history.”

Area X.O highlights defence-related drone and robotics testing site

Area X.O highlights defence-related drone and robotics testing site

Aug 12, 2026 | Defence, Defence Industrial Strategy, InDro News, InDro Solutions, Industry News, Scott Simmie

By Scott Simmie

 

Area X.O has put the spotlight on its third facility with a clear emphasis on defence-related drone and robotics testing – and it’s very much related to Canada’s new Defence Industrial Strategy.

Area X.O Killaloe is located at an airport in the Ottawa Valley, and it held a defence-capabilities demonstration called RED COBALT Uncrewed Systems Accelerator 2026 this week. It was heavily attended by senior officials from the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), the Department of National Defence, and Canadian Joint Forces Command. The Honourable David McGuinty, Minister of Defence, was also in attendance.

About 20 companies, nearly all of them Canadian-owned, were invited to display and demonstrate technologies that will likely one day play a role in Canada’s defence. Indro Robotics was one of those companies. It is the third Area X.O site, with the first and largest the well-known technology hub and NATO DIANA Test Centre in Ottawa (where InDro has its R&D headquarters).

“This is how we help companies grow faster. Strengthen Canada’s sovereign capabilities. Create high-value jobs. Attract investment. And build a stronger, more resilient economy,” announced Sonya Shorey, President and CEO of Invest Ottawa and Area X.O in this post. Invest Ottawa owns and operates all Area X.O facilities.

“This work directly supports Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy and our evolving strategy for Canada’s Capital Region, Ottawa and Gatineau together, as a global defence innovation hub serving our country, Forces and Allies,” she added.

The August 11/12 gathering provided an opportunity for a cross-section of the Canadian military to observe, even operate, multiple types of drones, counter-UAS systems, ground robotics, and more. The location will allow for testing larger and more complex drone systems and robotics. And, unlike the original Area X.O, is not located near a major airport.

Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy, released in February of this year, is the country’s response to a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape – and commits more than half a trillion dollars between now and 2035. Those funds have already started to flow: In July, Ottawa announced it would build a $30M military drone R&D facility in Mirabel, Quebec.

A significant portion of the DIS budget has been set aside to help accelerate Canadian-built and owned innovations – and reduce the reliance on traditional US military primes. The Ukraine conflict and even the recent US war with Iran have forever changed warfare with the heavy use of drones and other robotics on the battlefield.

“If you look at what’s happening in Ukraine, their uncrewed systems — the [updates to] coding that goes into it happen on a daily basis,” Lt.-Gen. Darcy Molstad, who heads the military’s Joint Forces Command, told CBC News.

“…This is the kind of partnerships that we have to establish.”

Below: A portion of Sonya Shorey’s post

Sonya Shorey Killaloe

INDRO AND DUAL-PURPOSE

 

Many of the products InDro manufactures have dual-purpose capabilities, meaning they can be used for commercial/industrial applications, as well as for defensive purposes. Our drones and robots, for example, are involved in a partnership with Montreal software firm CHAAC Technologies to autonomously find, map – and potentially neutralise – the pernicious PFM-1 landmine. It’s a small, air-dropped butterfly-shaped device that is intended to maim. Children often make the tragic mistake of thinking they are toys.

Technology can prove tremendously helpful for those kinds of use-cases – as well as many other defence and sovereignty-related purposes. InDro Vice-President Peter King and Law Enforcement Consultant Brian Fentiman represented InDro at the event, showing two major new innovations we are developing.

The first is Talos, the world’s longest-range vehicle. The rugged hybrid uses a combination of batteries and a highly efficient diesel generator to operate up to 7,000 km on a single, 454-litre tank of fuel. Originally developed to be driven by a human operator, InDro is in the process of turning this vehicle into a remotely tele-operated (and autonomous) robot. The Talos uses standard NATO-compliant mounting systems, and can be rapidly transformed for any use-case, from surveillance and combat in hostile environments through to transporting wounded combatants or getting medical supplies into a disaster zone.

We were also providing a glimpse of technology related to our new, long-range Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) drone. It can carry multiple sensors plus an additional payload and fly in weather conditions that would ground conventional aircraft. It’s also a hybrid fixed-wing design, meaning it’s capable of extraordinarily long missions.

Below: A look at the front end of Talos (R), the vehicle InDro is transforming into the world’s longest-range ground robot.

 

Talos

INDRO’S TAKE

 

We were pleased to see the unveiling of the new facility – and to be in the company of so many Canadian companies who are pushing the envelope of technology and defence. The event was a clear indicator of the emphasis the Federal Government is putting on the DIS, and the speed at which it hopes to advance the capabilities of the Canadian Armed Forces with made-in-Canada solutions.

“It is indeed a changing world, and Canada is investing to keep pace with that change,” says InDro Founder and CEO Philip Reece. “We congratulate Invest Ottawa and Area X.O and welcome the opportunities afforded by this facility. InDro is proud to be working on dual-use technologies we feel will be of benefit to the country, and to those who serve it.”

We look forward to testing our new innovations at the site, and will update you when that happens.

 

InDro Cortex, Controller open a near limitless world of robotic possibilities

InDro Cortex, Controller open a near limitless world of robotic possibilities

Jun 10, 2026 | Defence Industrial Strategy, InDro Controller, InDro Cortex, InDro Solutions, Scott Simmie

By Scott Simmie

We were tempted to use the word “infinite” in the headline above.

Because really, when it comes to customising a robot or industrial drone into pretty much any configuration, our InDro Cortex (hardware) and InDro Controller (software) can handle the task. A one-off wheeled quadruped for autonomy research at an academic institution? Check. A humanoid carrying out pick-and-place work in a factory setting? Check. A wheeled or tracked ground robot carrying out regular autonomous inspections on remote assets? Check, check, and check.

Once you factor in the growing number of sensors, platforms and use-cases, the potential combinations run into the thousands (if not more). We are pleased to confidently state that the synergy of InDro’s Cortex and Controller can handle virtually all of them.

Why so confident? Let’s find out.

Above: A fleet of AgileX platforms, all outfitted with InDro Cortex, InDro Controller, and multiple sensors before shipment to a client. Below: The tiny but powerful Cortex

InDro Cortex Robot Developer Kit for Autonomous Robots and Drones

WHAT IS INDRO CORTEX?

 

The simple answer is that it’s an incredibly powerful yet very small brain box and sensor interface that can be mounted on any robotic platform. It can transmit data over 5G networks with imperceptible lag and receive instructions from a remote operator. Measuring 11cm x 14cm x 10cm, and weighing a mere 679 grams, Cortex has been designed from the ground up – including custom PCBs – by our engineering team. It’s platform-agnostic, meaning you can use it with virtually any robotic framework.

Sensor integration – and the fusion of sensor data – is a breeze, With multiple I/O and power options, you simply plug & play. That’s because Cortex is preloaded with ROS2 Humble, which contains all the software tools, libraries, drivers, and communication protocols that allow for near-instant integration of any and all sensors. Power supply for those sensors is provided by Cortex (which is powered by the platform itself).

Looking for the compute required for seamless sensor fusion and demanding AI applications? You’ve got it: Our base Cortex comes with a processor capable of 100 TOPS (trillions of operations per second). If your use-case or application demands more powerful compute, we’ll happily upgrade that to your requirements.

Running on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS paired with ROS2 means Cortex is ideally suited for robotics work. That duo have become the standard for most robotics companies, R&D organisations and academia. (LTS, by the way, stands for Long-Term Support, meaning Cortex receives regular security, maintenance and other Ubuntu updates as they’re released).

For communication, Cortex ships with a small but powerful 5G modem, allowing you to remotely control your robot (and see all the data) with nearly imperceptible lag. It can operate on public or private 5G networks, as well as over WiFi. Clients sometimes purchase Cortex and Controller (which we’ll get to shortly) as a standalone and integrate their own robots. Others buy the pair as part of a custom robotics package we design and integrate. Several years of intense research have gone into building Cortex – which is now one of InDro’s core products.

Below: Just one example of a potential package where all sensors integrate with Cortex, though we frequently build far more complex systems. Image two shows the multiple I/O options that come on our standard Cortex

InDro Cortex Robot Developer Kit for Autonomous Robots and Drones

CORTEX AND CONTROLLER – A PERFECT PAIR

 

Imagine our Cortex hardware as a Formula One car. Now picture InDro Controller software as the driver and pit crew.

While InDro Cortex processes vast quantities of data at high speeds, InDro Controller allows you to see that data and control the robot. Using a highly secure desktop interface created by our front-end development team, Controller offers an intuitive dashboard that allows you to carry out operations in three ways: Manually, autonomously with pre-programmed waypoints, and even in GPS-denied environments using LiDAR SLAM or vSLAM.

With multiple sensors running on a given robot (or drone), the dashboard allows you to easily move and size windows for data display and location. You can program waypoints at the click of a mouse, and have a robot carry out specific tasks at each waypoint. For example, you could have a PTZ camera tilt and zoom in on a specific gauge to read it, or stop and check on a component where a temperature change might indicate trouble. You can save endless missions and set them to run automatically at desired intervals.

The InDro Controller software lives onboard Cortex; you simply type in the URL associated with your robot and the encrypted login display pops up.

Our InDro Autonomy software stack is optional (though popular). But, as with Ubuntu LTS, users can rely on long-term support and upgrades from InDro. If we tweak something to improve a feature of InDro Controller (or any of our other software stacks), clients get that upgrade. InDro stands behind its products and ensures our users can maximise their potential.

Below: Just one of many custom views on the InDro Controller dashboard

Custom Integrated Robots

INDRO’S TAKE

 

You’ve heard the metaphor – the one about “standing on the shoulders of giants.” In this case, Cortex is the logical successor to our highly successful InDro Commander. Released more than three years ago, Commander was a breakthrough in simplifying the integration of R&D robots and for custom builds. Now, after several years of work, Cortex is the logical successor. It’s smaller, more powerful, and comes with the highly evolved InDro Controller.

“Cortex is the result of a tremendous amount of R&D from our Area X.O engineering team,” says InDro Robotics Founder and CEO Philip Reece. “It not only greatly simplifies building complex robots, but can vastly enhance robotic platforms ranging from engineering research robots through to military defence platforms. It, along with Controller, will be core InDro products for many years to come.”

To learn more about InDro Cortex and Controller, drop a line to our Head of R&D Sales, Luke Corbeth. He’s a no-pressure pro who loves talking about use-cases and solving problems.