RapidFlight, a drone manufacturer that places a focus on 3D printing in the manufacturing of its products, announces the acquisition of Local Motors’ intellectual property (IP) portfolio.
This strategic move underscores RapidFlight’s commitment to using additive manufacturing (AM) technologies to meet the needs of its national security customers.
Local Motors, founded in 2007 by John B. Rogers Jr, pioneered the use of large-scale AM technologies, manufacturing transportation vehicles and autonomous buses.
“We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of Local Motors’ IP portfolio, which aligns perfectly with our mission to revolutionize the unmanned aircraft industry through advanced additive manufacturing technologies. We are bringing cutting-edge technologies from the venture-funded commercial sector to the national security space and delivering products to the DoD with them,” said Jay Gundlach, Ph.D., RapidFlight’s Chief Executive Officer.
The acquisition gives RapidFlight access to Local Motor’s extensive IP resources, which will accelerate product development. This will allow the company to bring its innovative UAS products to market faster.
“Local Motors was in business for more than a decade. It was funded through millions of dollars of venture investment and developed critical large format AM technologies in partnership with some of the most reputable US government laboratories. We have acquired the fruits of all that labor and are bolstering RapidFlight’s own family of patent applications through this acquisition,” said Brad Schneider, RapidFlight’s Chief Operating Officer.
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