Caring for our Communities: Edge Autonomy Ann Arbor Comes Together to Serve Veterans and Promote a Culture of Giving

Electronic warfare (EW) is pervasive in modern battlespaces, so how can we ensure that missions remain flexible and successful when a single, all-encompassing solution to GPS and GNSS interference does not currently exist?

“Even the quest for a silver bullet to solve the problem of GPS interference is a flawed concept,” says Allen Gardner, Chief Technology Officer at Edge Autonomy, a leading provider and OEM of autonomous uncrewed aircraft systems, advanced optics, and resilient energy solutions.

“The more effective tactic is to have the capacity to quickly incorporate new innovations to augment your solution. “As new technology emerges, you integrate. As the adversary changes, you adapt.”

The Increasing Rise of Interference

The deliberate jamming of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS)—when a competing signal broadcasts “noise” that overpowers the GNSS/GPS signal, rendering it unusable—is a routine challenge to military and commercial operations alike.

While slightly more difficult to execute, signal spoofing—when an adversary broadcasts on the same signal to confuse data, resulting in inaccurate positioning or time—is no less threatening to mission success.

Both spoofing and jamming are on the rise – in both battle zones and commercial aviation – and must be actively addressed to maintain an upper hand and ensure that aircraft and weapons are not compromised.

The electronic warfare market had an estimated value of $18.45B in 2024 and is expected to reach $27.35B by 2031¹. With EW strategies presenting a constant threat—one capable of immense financial and strategic damage—it is critical that we explore a wide range of options to keep this threat at bay.

Electronic Warfare and Real-World Implications

From Finland to Poland to Turkey – and of course in the Ukraine conflict – Eastern Europe has seen GNSS and GPS interference become a significant disruptor.

Russian jamming of satellite-guided weapons has had a significant impact on Ukraine’s ability to defend its territory, decreasing the effectiveness of existing solutions and sending military officials on a renewed hunt for newer and more sophisticated technology².

“When you’re facing an adversary who will stop at nothing to interfere with your mission and endanger the men and women defending freedom on the front lines it is imperative that we bring every available resource into play to protect our allies, whether they are foreign or domestic,” says Tuna Djemil, Vice President of Business Development & Strategy for Edge Autonomy. “The battlefield is constantly evolving, which means we innovate in step with real-world mission needs.”

Adaptation and Integration at the Speed of the Modern Battlefield

As geopolitical crises escalate, so will the complications caused by GPS/GNSS interference. Emerging drone warfare will perpetuate jamming and spoofing attacks as uncrewed aircraft and autonomous vehicles play an increasingly central role in current conflicts.

Despite the lack of a silver bullet solution to GPS/GNSS interference, defending military operations while increasing mission flexibility in the face of mounting EW is possible. How can the U.S. military, NATO, and other allies maintain an edge over insidious adversaries?

Rapid adaptation is a must as we confront the widespread EW threats that exist in today’s battlespaces. By developing new technologies that are not dependent on GPS/GNSS – including solutions that utilize position, navigation, and timing (PNT) – we can stay ahead of nefarious spoofing and jamming techniques.

Beyond GPS: Advances in Position, Navigation, and Timing for Maximum UAS Flexibility

PNT technologies serve to augment and complement GPS and range from self-contained navigation techniques to radar sensing to advanced tracking solutions through Artificial Intelligence to front-end cyber solutions and beyond.

“The key is flexibility,” explains Djemil. “This interference game of cat-and-mouse calls for the ability to quickly pivot existing technology, adapt new technology, and keep your finger on the pulse of how to combine the two in order to thwart our adversaries.”

Modularity to Meet Mission Needs

Why is adaptability so critical to advanced navigation systems capable of withstanding the constant threat of GPS/GNSS interference? While several reliable defenses do exist for the UAS and their navigation, none are effective in every circumstance or environment. Adapting a modular open systems approach (MOSA) means that rather than relying on a single technology, users can augment and build upon the base system over time as new technologies become available.

The most EW-resilient UAS will be aircraft capable of seamlessly integrating the new and ever-evolving defensive technologies that arise to counter debilitating attacks. Advanced platforms like a PNT fusion engine ensure accuracy by combining data from multiple sensors for reliable, robust, and accurate position and time determination, even in environments where GPS signals may be either interfered with or unavailable.

“When a UAS can combine multiple GPS-denied technologies so that the strength of one overcomes the weaknesses of another, what you get is an adaptable and uniquely robust solution,” Gardner explains.

Edge Autonomy’s Battle Proven Stalker UAS

Rather than rely on a single technology, Edge Autonomy’s Stalker uncrewed system can fly in GPS/GNSS-denied environments by employing a PNT fusion engine that interfaces with multiple technologies (both current and future), uniting them in a navigation solution that provides the warfighter with the data needed to make decisions quickly and accurately to meet mission needs even in a rapidly changing environment.

The modular architecture of the Stalker design provides the agility needed to pivot quickly, advancing the mission no matter the circumstance.

“Intentional awareness of real-world adversarial threats uniquely positions us to come alongside our customers,” says Joshua Stinson, Chief Growth Officer at Edge Autonomy. “We designed the Stalker with maximum flexibility in mind, knowing that the ability to integrate new technologies and adapt to emerging threats, especially when it comes to electronic warfare, is vital for mission success in today’s dynamic environments.”

Learn more about the battle proven Stalker, and how a modular open systems approach can positively impact positioning, navigation, and timing – even under contested or austere circumstances:

¹https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/industry-reports/electronic-warfare-market

²https://www.stripes.com/theaters/europe/2024-05-24/russian-jamming-high-tech-weapons-ukraine-13964032.html

The employees at Edge Autonomy’s Ann Arbor facility don’t just give back to their local community–they take pride in helping to actively build a supportive environment for local Veterans, students, and families.

“We have a generous team with big hearts here at Edge in Ann Arbor, and we love helping our community,” says Kellie Coleman, a Production Manager at Edge Autonomy Energy Systems.

And this generous team has been busy!

From making meals for Veterans to donating supplies to local public schools, employees in Ann Arbor take a vested interest in how they volunteer, choosing and promoting causes that are not only impactful, but hold a personal connection—which is likely why over fifty percent of the team usually participates in any given charity event.

“Each volunteer project is chosen based on different employee interests and connections within our community,” says Kellie. “We have such a high rate of employee involvement because of the passion and commitment our employees bring to the table. Everyone’s voice is heard, and the impact of that collaboration is felt in every facet of our volunteer activities.”

Employees who give back locally don’t reside just in Ann Arbor; many commute from a variety of cities in the Metro Detroit area. With so many worthy charities in the region, employees are invited to bring their ideas for new projects to the Edge Autonomy Ann Arbor Activities Committee.

“In each meeting we throw out ideas of places we want to help, so there’s a lot of ownership,” Kellie explains.

“What I love about this team is these efforts are truly led by the group,” says Tammy Lake, Human Resources Manager for Edge Autonomy Ann Arbor. “Many times in companies community service can become a top-down initiative, but not here! Everyone has a voice and a place on the team.”

The latest giving effort launched by the Ann Arbor facility is a backpack and school supplies drive for Carpenter Elementary, a nearby school. The Activities Committee first connected with this school during the 2023 holidays after “adopting” a family and donating gifts.

“We reconnected with the school to see what they need now,” says Kellie. “When we offered to donate backpacks and supplies, they were thrilled.”

The Ann Arbor team also partners regularly with The Fisher House, a no-cost “home away from home” for the families of Veterans who must travel to receive treatment at a VA medical center. Since its opening in 2020, the Fisher House in Ann Arbor has hosted almost 10,000 military and Veteran caregivers.

These military families also receive homemade meals during their stay, which are prepared by volunteer groups like the one at Edge Autonomy. Ann Arbor employees sign up for shifts at the Fisher House in groups of four, and filling the available dates with volunteers is never a problem because there’s so much interest in serving.

“There’s an open kitchen,” explains Kellie, “so Veterans and their families will often talk to us while we’re preparing the meals. It’s interesting to hear their stories and rewarding for our team to connect personally with those who have sacrificed so much for our country.”

The Fisher House isn’t the only military-focused organization the Ann Arbor team partners with. Employees have held toy drives with Toys for Tots (a program run by the U.S. Marine Corps) and regularly donate food to a local VA pantry.

“Edge Autonomy has a long history of supporting mission-driven innovations in support of our customers’ military operations,” says Tammy. “Volunteering on behalf of our Armed Forces is a natural fit for the Activities Committee.”

Some Ann Arbor employees have served in the military themselves, so they understand intimately the needs of Veterans and their families.

This focus on Veterans and active service members is one of Kellie’s favorite parts of organizing volunteer events for the Ann Arbor facility.

“I like giving back to the community and seeing that we made a difference,” says Kellie. “Especially visiting the VA pantry–that was really touching. Because we are a military supplier, seeing people who served our country and being able to give back to them is rewarding.”

Other recent volunteer events include a polar plunge for the Special Olympics in February 2024, spearheaded by Dell Willis, and a “Happy Little 5K” run for the environment headed up by Steven Koelzer in April. The Ann Arbor team has also donated supplies to a safe house for victims of domestic abuse.

As fall approaches, the Activities Committee is also planning a coat drive for nearby residents who want to donate winter items throughout 2024 and 2025.

Fostering a workplace where team members share ideas and execute them together is another benefit of volunteering, one that contributes to Edge Autonomy’s company culture of inclusiveness, diversity, and collaboration.

Tammy finds it personally rewarding that the Edge Autonomy team becomes part of something larger by spreading kindness. “Serving others is one of the best ways to connect with those we might not otherwise have the privilege to meet. We always enjoy participating together and walk away understanding our other team members more.”

Kellie Coleman is proud of the Ann Arbor team’s generosity and looks forward to planning future volunteer opportunities.

“Our team truly comes together to put on these charity events,” she says. “It’s a good feeling to know that a large percentage of our employees participate. I’m proud that as a team we can accomplish good things on behalf of our nation’s veterans and the wider community.”

We’re a growing team, and we’re always looking for innovative, engaged professionals to join our high-energy group! Sound interesting? Take a look at our open positions.