Embraer enters drone market

Photo: Xmobots

Brazilian planemaker Embraer has acquired a minority share in drone manufacturer XMobots, the company announced in a statement on Tuesday. XMobots, based in the state of São Paulo, is described as Latin America’s largest drone company. It currently specializes in drones for the agricultural and military sectors.

According to Embraer, the transaction will be made via an investment fund in which the company is the sole partner, pending usual approvals, with option for additional investments in the future. “The deal aims to accelerate the future of the medium and large autonomous drone market and jointly explore new market niches,” Embraer said in its statement.

“Our investment strategy and venture capital operations have a strong emphasis on innovation and partnerships, which are pillars of our growth plan for the coming years,” said Daniel Moczydlower, Head of Innovation at Embraer and CEO of Embraer-X, the plane manufacturer’s subsidiary focused on “disruptive innovation.”

This latest investment sees Embraer, a reference in commercial and military aircraft manufacturing worldwide, enter yet another innovative market, following its work to establish itself in the yet-to-be-launched urban air mobility market through its subsidiary Eve.

XMobots reportedly plans to use the investment to expand its operations into new areas, including the monitoring of electrical transmission lines, transport for oil rigs at sea, and delivery in the urban air mobility market.