Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

Boeing announced an investment in Pittsburgh-based Near Earth Autonomy on October 19, 2017, alongside a partnership to explore future autonomous-flight products and applications. The announcement described a strategic technology collaboration—not a disclosed investment amount, confirmed commercial launch, or proof of financial return.

Why did Boeing invest in Near Earth Autonomy?

Boeing said the partnership would explore products and applications for emerging autonomous-flight markets, including urban mobility. Boeing HorizonX vice president Steve Nordlund said: “This partnership will accelerate technology solutions that we feel will be key to unlocking emerging markets of autonomous flight.” Boeing’s October 19, 2017 announcement framed the work as exploration of future applications, not as a product launch or a claim that a commercial aircraft was ready.

Near Earth Autonomy CEO Sanjiv Singh said the investment would accelerate development of robust products and provide access to a broader portfolio of aerial-autonomy applications. These statements explain the companies’ stated rationale; they do not establish that a particular product resulted from the partnership.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What technology did Near Earth Autonomy develop?

Boeing’s 2017 release described Near Earth Autonomy as a Carnegie Mellon University Robotics Institute spin-off developing software and sensor technology for autonomous aircraft. It said the technology was intended to let aircraft inspect, map, and survey terrain and infrastructure, as well as transport cargo autonomously. Those are capabilities as characterized in the announcement, not evidence that every use was commercially deployed.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
DJI Neo, Mini Drone with 4K UHD Camera for Adults, 135g Self Flying Drone that Follows You, Palm Takeoff, Subject Tracking, QuickShots, Stabilized Video, Built-In Propeller Guard (Controller-Free)
  • Due to platform compatibility issue, the DJI Fly app has been removed from Google Play. DJI Neo must be activated in the DJI Fly App, to ensure a better product usage experience, please go to the DJI official website to download the App before use.
  • Lightweight and Regulation Friendly - At just 135g, this drone with camera for adults 4K may be even lighter than your phone and does not require FAA registration and Remote ID. Throw Neo in your backpack or even your pocket. Just grab and go!
  • Palm Takeoff & Landing, Go Controller-Free [1] - Neo takes off from your hand with just a push of a button. The safe and easy operation of this drone for adults makes it perfect for taking to family BBQs and hiking with friends.
  • Subject Tracking & QuickShots - Effortlessly capture stunning vlogs as DJI Neo smartly follows you. Getting professional footage has never been easier with eight creative QuickShots modes on this drone with camera.
  • Multiple Control Options, Flexible Fun - Fly Neo controller-free or with voice control (EN/CN), mobile app, or RC. Capture an epic birthday or film a family picnic; these versatile options make it easy for everyone to try this drone for adults.

The release also said the company’s founders had more than three decades of experience developing autonomous systems for ground and aerial vehicles. It cited full-size autonomous helicopter flights with the U.S. Army in 2010 and work then underway with the Office of Naval Research on an autonomous aerial cargo-delivery platform for the U.S. Marines. These examples describe experience and development activity cited at the time; they are not aircraft-performance statistics.

What later company materials show—and what they do not

Near Earth Autonomy’s later company materials describe work with government and aerospace partners involving autonomous aerial transport reliability, logistics aircraft, and integration of autonomy with aerospace partners. See the company’s website and news page for its company-reported activity.

Rank #2
Sale
HOVERAir X1 Drone with Camera, Follow-me Drone with Self-Flying Mode
  • Intelligent Follow-Me Camera: Harnessing advanced tracking algorithms and a following speed of up to 15 mph, the HOVERAir follow-me self-flying drone becomes your intuitive cameraman, seamlessly tracking your every move. Suitable for cycling, skateboarding, and various sports, it effortlessly captures breathtaking moments, ensuring you're always at the center of the action
  • App Compatibility: HOVER X1 app supports Android 10.0 and above, and iOS 12.1 and above, ensuring seamless connectivity and control across a wide range of mobile devices
  • Automatic and Intelligent Flight Paths: Experience hands-free flying with the pre-programmed flight paths, including Hover, Follow, Zoom Out, Orbit, Bird's Eye, Manual Control, and more. Take control with Manual Control mode, tailoring your flight experience to perfection. With each battery supporting approximately 20 intelligent flight paths (11 minutes), your 100% flight time is dedicated to creating captivating and shareable content
  • Amazing Image and HDR Video Shooting: HOVERAir camera drone supports a maximum of 2.7K@30fps and 1080P HDR video shooting. The triple stabilization system ensures smooth video effects and excellent fast motion capturing capability, easily recording beautiful moments during hikes or journeys
  • Live Monitoring and Manual Control: Utilize the Hover X1 App for real-time previews of the drone's camera feed. Take charge with manual control through the App, optimizing flight paths to capture that shot you want. Kindly note that video previews through the Hover X1 App album may display high-speed, low-resolution thumbnails

That later work provides context for the field, but the materials do not establish that Boeing’s 2017 investment caused those projects, that the original partnership remains active, or that any specific program was the outcome of the announced exploration.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What is known about Boeing’s investment terms?

Boeing’s October 19, 2017 release says it invested in Near Earth Autonomy, but does not state the investment amount or disclose equity terms. The consulted company materials also do not provide a valuation, transaction documentation, or a later return on the investment. Without those details, the size or financial performance of the deal cannot be calculated from these announcements.

Rank #4
Sale
Drone with Camera for Adults, 2K HD FPV Drones with Upgrade Altitude Hold, One-Key Take Off/Landing, Speed Adjustment, Headless Mode, 2 Batteries, Toys Gifts for Teen Boys Girls, Beginner
  • 【2K Ultra HD Camera】Loiley drone features a high-quality 2K HD camera with a 90° remote adjustable angle, allowing you to capture breathtaking photos and ultra-clear videos from the sky. Whether it's a scenic landscape or a special family moment, this drone helps you preserve every beautiful memory with precision. Simply connect your smartphone to the drone’s camera to enjoy a real-time panoramic view, and easily share your adventures directly to social media with just a tap
  • 【User-friendly & Optical Flow Positioning】 The Loiley drone operation is magically simple—press the one-touch start/land button to begin flying. With headless mode and gravity sensing, you only need to tilt the controller up, down, left, or right to make the drone fly forward, backward, or sideways. The upgraded optical flow positioning ensures more stable and controllable flight, allowing you to focus on photography. Altitude Hold helps you capture high-quality photos and videos effortlessly
  • 【Take it with you】 Loiley drone with camera is your ultimate travel partner! It is small and lightweight, and the size is only 5 x 3 x 2 inches when folded, which can be easily put into a pocket or backpack. Weight under 250g to save you from FAA registration. Whether you're going on an outdoor adventure or exploring new places, you can easily take this mini drone with you and capture amazing aerial shots wherever you go
  • 【Safe and Long Battery Life】With two rechargeable drone batteries, this drone extends the flight time to approximately 26 minutes, providing a worry-free flying experience. The batteries are easy to charge and replace, with built-in overvoltage protection. The remote controller emits a low battery warning, ensuring beginners never lose their RC drone
  • 【Professional After-Sales Support】A mini drone with a camera makes for a cool and creative gift. Along with that, the package includes a portable bag for outdoor travel. The drone comes with propeller guards, spare fan blades, and remote control batteries, ensuring safety and reliability. Additionally, 24-hour technical support, quality warranty, and Accessories Supply services are provided for customer satisfaction
Rank #3
DJI Mini 4K, Drone With 4K UHD Camera, Under 249 g
  • No Registration Needed - Under 249 g, this drone with camera for adults 4K does not require FAA registration or Remote ID for recreational use. Visit the FAA's official website for requirements related to drone registration and Remote ID. [1]
  • 4K Ultra HD & 3-Axis Gimbal for Cinematic Quality Shooting - Capture stunning moments in any light—sunrises, sunsets, and night scenes with crystal-clear 4K resolution. Thanks to the 3-axis gimbal, you can achieve cinematic-quality footage with this advanced drone with camera.
  • 38kph (Level 5) Wind Resistant - This drone for adults has a stable flight even in Level 5 winds. Brushless motors enhance power and allow takeoff at altitudes up to 4,000 meters.
  • Due to platform compatibility issue, the DJI Fly app has been removed from Google Play. To ensure a better product usage experience, please log in to the DJI official website to download the latest version of DJI Fly.
  • Uninterrupted Creation with Extended Battery Life - There are three sets available for you to choose from: 1-battery set (31-min), 2-battery set (62-min), or 3-battery set (93-min). [3] Say goodbye to battery anxiety and let nothing hold you back.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.