Autonomous drone startup Airobotics raises $30 million to accelerate U.S. expansion

Israel's Airobotics today announced it has raised a $30 million round of funding as the company continues to build out its U.S. operations. Founded in 2014, the company has developed a commercial pilotless drone that self-deploys and then returns to its base, where robotic arms handle chores like changing the battery and various components. No human intervention is needed. The drones have proven to be particularly popular with mining companies, but are targeting a wide range of industries such as utilities and warehouses. In late September, the company announced it was opening a North American headquarters in Scottsdale, Arizona to oversee its business in South America and Central America as well.