Introduction
In a notable development from Silicon Valley, autonomy developer Applied Intuition announced its acquisition of EpiSci, a smaller drone firm, marking a significant merger in the military contracting sector. This merger aims to integrate Applied’s strengths in ground systems with EpiSci’s expertise in aerial and maritime domains, as executives shared with Breaking Defense.
Strategic Acquisition for Enhanced Capabilities
Applied co-founders Qasar Younis and Peter Ludwig emphasize that this acquisition focuses on expanding capabilities rather than cutting costs. “We’re not letting anybody go, we’re not doing any redundancies, we’re not doing any lay-offs, or anything like that,” Younis stated, highlighting the intent to keep EpiSci intact due to its unique competencies.
EpiSci’s Diverse Military Engagements
EpiSci is well-regarded for its work with various agencies including DARPA, the Navy, the Space Development Agency, and NASA. Its projects span unmanned air-to-air combat, unmanned surface vessels, missile-tracking satellites, and even 5G connectivity for lunar missions, demonstrating a breadth of experience across multiple defense domains.
Complementary Expertise in Autonomous Systems
While Applied has primarily focused on ground-based autonomy through vehicles and systems for construction and mining, the company acknowledges the importance of expanding into air, maritime, and space systems, areas where EpiSci excels. Ludwig pointed out that the companies’ different specializations highlight their complementary nature, with Applied bringing experience in off-road environments and EpiSci’s strengths lying in three-dimensional movement and specialized algorithms.
The Importance of Domain-Specific Algorithms
Understanding the distinctions between different robotic environments is crucial. Ludwig explained that while about 75 percent of the software needed for autonomous vehicles can be shared across ground, air, and sea applications, the remaining 25 percent must be tailored to the unique challenges presented by each domain. Applied’s robust general-purpose algorithms excel in ground applications, while EpiSci contributes essential domain-specific solutions for aerial and maritime operations.
Contrasting Company Histories and Future Challenges
Though Applied is younger than EpiSci, it has experienced rapid growth and a significant valuation of $6 billion. It has actively engaged with the Pentagon and delivered numerous vehicles and software solutions. Conversely, EpiSci has traditionally operated as a research organization. The challenge for Applied will be integrating its ambitions and scale with EpiSci’s technical expertise while maintaining the integrity of each company’s core competencies.
Conclusion
As Applied Intuition and EpiSci merge, they embark on a journey to combine their unique strengths. This acquisition represents a strategic move to bolster capabilities in unmanned vehicles, indicating promising prospects for innovation in autonomy across multiple domains within the defense sector.
