TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Thunder Tiger has teamed up with Elan Microelectronics on drone technology to boost Taiwan’s autonomous UAV R&D capabilities and reduce reliance on overseas AI chips, CNA reported.
The two companies signed a cooperation agreement on Monday. The partnership will focus on integrating Elan Microelectronics’ AI chips, edge computing, image processing, user interface systems, and communications modules into Thunder Tiger’s UAV systems.
According to Thunder Tiger, the combination of Elan’s AI and computing strengths with its flight control capabilities is expected to enhance UAV development. The company added that its inclusion on the US Blue UAS Cleared List could help expand its presence in democratic markets.
Thunder Tiger hopes the partnership will expand its drone technology into areas such as AI inference chips, image recognition software, anti-jamming communications, and swarm flight control. The company said combining Elan’s camera modules and edge computing devices could enable its drones to perform faster target recognition, autonomous obstacle avoidance, and tracking under low-power conditions.
The company added that much of its core drone AI technology relies on integrating foreign AI software, navigation systems, and algorithms into its UAVs. It has used Shield AI’s Hivemind software and Auterion’s AI navigation technology from the US for AI-powered swarm coordination systems.
The company highlighted the importance of developing its own AI chips and key drone modules to reduce supply chain disruptions amid geopolitical changes, conflicts, and cybersecurity concerns. The partnership also aligns with growing demand for China-free drone supply chains, including AI chips, camera modules, image recognition systems, and communications devices.
The cooperation will also include setting up a ground control station that complies with cybersecurity requirements. It will feature a waterproof touchscreen and a high-brightness LED display for accurate control in strong sunlight and harsh environments, meeting military-grade standards.
Thunder Tiger said it also aims to develop a drone platform for military and commercial applications. The system could be used for infrastructure inspection, disaster search and rescue, border patrol, and agriculture, while being adapted in wartime for logistics support and defense operations.
