Vertex One

The Vertex One is a modular industrial quadrotor developed by the Dutch robotics firm Avular, which entered service in 2023. Designed for both commercial and defence applications, the platform serves as a versatile aerial research and logistics tool. It is characterized by its hot-swap payload interface and a full-stack autonomous flight system built around the NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX onboard computer. The drone offers a flight endurance of approximately 30 minutes and can carry a payload of up to 2 kilograms, with capabilities extending beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS).

Technically, the Vertex One relies on Avular’s proprietary Autopilot software and Software Development Kit (SDK) to manage its autonomy. The system is built on ROS 2, allowing for deep customization by researchers and operators who require access to the computing module to run their own algorithms. This open architecture enables the integration of various sensors and specialized hardware, making the platform suitable for complex indoor and outdoor navigation tasks, including moving through environments with dynamic obstacles like people and machinery. The hardware is designed for modularity, facilitating rapid adaptation for specific missions ranging from data gathering to first-response scenarios.

The primary operators of the Vertex One include the Netherlands and Germany, where the platform has been adopted for defence trials and inspection tasks. Beyond military applications, Avular has deployed the drone in academic and corporate research settings. For instance, the company delivered a Vertex One to De Graafschap College to test scanning techniques and battery technology. The platform is also utilized by academic institutions such as Eindhoven University of Technology (Tu/e), where it supports research into robotics and autonomous systems.

Avular positions the Vertex One as a solution to labor shortages and safety concerns in industries such as agriculture, construction, and utilities. The company’s broader mission involves creating mobile robotics that keep society running, with the Vertex One serving as a key component of their aerial product suite. While the drone is marketed for civilian uses like wildfire monitoring and wind turbine inspections, its robust autonomy and modular design have made it a candidate for defence-related trials in Europe. The system does not currently have reported combat experience, but its deployment in government and military-adjacent research contexts highlights its role in the evolving landscape of autonomous aerial platforms.