Adam Bry - Why China Fears Skydio’s Rise in AI Drone Technology | SRS #258

In this episode, Adam Bry, co‑founder and CEO of Skydio, discusses the company’s rise as a leader in autonomous drone technology, its journey from a 2014 startup to a multi‑billion‑dollar firm with U.S. Department of Defense contracts, and his vision for American leadership in aviation and ethical AI. He shares his background at MIT and Google X, details Skydio’s flagship X10 drone, and explores challenges in scaling production, deploying drones for public safety, and competing with Chinese manufacturers. The conversation also covers future directions for drone warfare, autonomous flight, and the broader impact of AI on national security. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 03:17 Drone Markets and Applications 06:32 Adam Bree’s Background and Achievements 09:56 Patreon Question: Drone Range and Autonomy 11:56 Skydio X10 Features and Capabilities 14:18 Adam’s Early Fascination with Flight 23:56 Founding Skydio and the Original Concept 29:57 Challenges and Enterprise Success 36:46 Current Models, Features, and X10 Overview 39:21 Autonomous Docking Stations 43:09 Drone Deployment Optimization 47:37 Real-Life Crime Intervention Cases 01:03:03 Manufacturing and Scaling Challenges 01:06:58 The Future of Drone Technology 01:13:33 Outdoor Drone Demonstration 01:14:20 Autonomous Flight and Camera Features 01:29:35 Fixed Wing Prototype Development 01:39:06 Drones in High-Speed Chases and Public Safety 01:45:58 Cost, Deployment, and Efficiency 01:51:35 Drone Warfare and Military Innovation 02:04:14 Competing with Chinese Drone Makers 02:32:55 Robotics Vision and Final Thoughts