Merlin Labs has agreed to acquire EpiSys Science, a provider of tactical artificial intelligence software, in a move to expand the autonomous flight technology developer’s multidomain autonomy offerings for the defense market.
EpiSci offers its Tactical AI platform for various Department of Defense initiatives including the AFWERX Autonomy Prime program and the development of the U.S. Air Force’s autonomously piloted X-62A VISTA aircraft through the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency’s Air Combat Evolution program, Merlin said Thursday.
With the acquisition, Merlin will expand its suite of supported platforms to include multiple unmanned surface vessels and small unmanned aerial systems.
“By merging with Merlin, we are choosing to deliver our TacticalAI autonomy software suite to the marketplace at significantly accelerated timelines and with greater impact,” remarked Bo Ryu, founder and CEO of EpiSci.
Matt George, co-founder and CEO of Merlin, said the transaction will position the company “to lead the charge in autonomous aviation” and the integration of EpiSci will kick start its work toward “a versatile, trusted autonomy solution.”
Merlin recently completed data collection flights in the KC-135 Stratotanker at MacDill Air Force Base, which will expand the Merlin Pilot’s autonomous capabilities.
The company also entered into agreements with Air Mobility Command and Air Force Material Command to design and integrate the Merlin Pilot into the KC-135 Stratotanker.
