Key Takeaways:
✅ Insight into the evolving landscape of drone threats and the need for accurate counter-drone operations for effective security and surveillance.
✅ Understanding the partnership between Dedrone by Axon and Premio and the development of their second-generation product DedroneOnTheMove (DedroneOTM)
✅ Exploration of the solutions to complex challenges in the industry with the use of rugged edge computing systems by Premio.
✅ Examination of the various sensors and advanced AI utilized in the field to accurately detect, track and identify potential drone threats - providing true pictures of the sky.
The Background
As drones rapidly become integral to industries ranging from logistics to public safety, so too do the risks associated with their misuse. Whether used for surveillance, smuggling, or disruption, unauthorized drone activity presents a growing threat that demands smarter, more agile solutions—especially in mobile environments.
To meet this evolving challenge, Dedrone by Axon, a global leader in airspace security, partnered with Premio Inc., a U.S.-based designer and manufacturer of rugged edge computing systems. Together, they developed DedroneOnTheMove (DedroneOTM)—a mobile, AI-powered solution engineered to detect, track, and identify drone threats in real time.
This collaboration not only addressed the need for mobile drone security but also exemplified how the right technology partnership can yield innovative, real-world results.
The Challenge: Countering Drone Threats on the Move
Modern drone threats aren’t stationary—and neither are the people or assets they target. From securing VIPs against aerial intrusions to protecting military convoys in transit, mobile drone detection systems must be:
- Highly portable and rugged: built for harsh and dynamic environments
- AI-capable at the edge: with low-latency computing for real-time response
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Affordability: Scalable enough to be outfitted on every vehicle.
- Edge Intelligence: Real-time detection, tracking, and drone classification without relying on cloud latency.
For Dedrone, the mission was clear: build a second-generation, mobile detection system that could combine sophisticated AI, multi-sensor integration, and field-ready durability. But turning that vision into reality required the right computing foundation.
Premio’s Role: Delivering Rugged Edge Intelligence
Premio’s expertise in rugged edge computing proved pivotal. Known for delivering reliable, scalable solutions in mission-critical environments, Premio designed a custom computing platform tailored to Dedrone’s needs.
“At Premio, we're committed to providing robust, world-class computing solutions that meet the exact requirements of our clients. Our engineering excellence and flexible approach have proved instrumental in large-scale deployments,” said Kenneth Hau, Regional Sales Manager at Premio.
Premio’s edge systems, equipped with powerful processors from Intel and NVIDIA, enabled DedroneOTM to perform high-speed sensor fusion and AI analytics at the edge. This real-time capability was crucial in transforming sensor data into actionable intelligence—allowing the system to instantly detect and assess aerial threats on the move.
“Our collaboration with Premio has enabled us to develop systems capable of rapid threat assessment and effective response,” said Mary-Lou Smulders, Chief Marketing Officer at Dedrone. “Together, we've become a powerhouse in countering drone technology threats.
The Result: A Future-Ready Solution for Evolving Threats
DedroneOnTheMove is more than a product—it’s proof that cross-industry collaboration can lead to breakthrough solutions. By merging Dedrone’s deep domain expertise in drone detection with Premio’s advanced edge computing technology, the partnership delivered a system that redefines what’s possible in mobile airspace security.
Whether deployed in a civilian security convoy, a mobile command center, or a defense operation, DedroneOTM offers unmatched flexibility and performance in detecting aerial threats before they cause harm.And this is just the beginning. The DedroneOTM system performs four key steps:
- Detect: Identify the presence of a drone before it enters the critical zone.
- Track: Monitor its location continuously—and potentially locate the pilot via RF signals.
- Identify: Classify the drone’s type, capabilities, and whether it’s friend or foe.
- Neutralize: In military settings, pass targeting data to a Mobile Weapon System (MWS) to eliminate the threat.
All of this relies on robust edge computing. There’s no time to send data to the cloud when a drone is seconds away from delivering a payload.
“We act as the targeting system,” said Smulders. “Our system tells the response mechanism what type of drone it is and how to respond.”
A Model for Strategic Innovation
The partnership between Dedrone and Premio sets a new benchmark for strategic innovation in security technology. As drones continue to evolve, so will the threats—and so must the solutions. Dedrone and Premio’s agile, collaborative approach ensures that they remain ahead of the curve, ready to adapt to the next challenge.
Their work is a testament to the power of partnership: where engineering excellence meets domain expertise to deliver real-world impact.
Final Takeaway
In today’s fast-changing security landscape, success lies in adaptability and collaboration. Dedrone and Premio’s joint development of DedroneOnTheMove demonstrates how the fusion of rugged edge computing and advanced airspace security can deliver mobile, intelligent, and reliable protection against drone threats.
Together, they’re not just keeping the skies safer—they’re setting the standard for what’s next in edge-powered security solutions. The sky isn’t the limit. It’s the battlefield. And with Dedrone and Premio, the edge is where victory begins.