About American Cybernetics
American Cybernetics develops autonomous systems for contested environments where GPS and RF links
cannot be trusted. Current work focuses on modular UAV concepts that combine computer vision–based
autonomy with human-in-the-loop oversight, delivering low-cost, unjammable ISR and precision strike
capability. Additional research explores LLM navigation and covert power harvesting for the future.
Founded by Dr. John Waynelovich, a computational scientist and former intelligence
community postdoctoral fellow with the NSA/ODNI.
Projects
American Cybernetics is advancing GPS-denied autonomy for contested environments. Our work blends modular hardware with AI-driven navigation, focusing on resilient, low-cost solutions for ISR and strike. Key projects include:
Leap and Peep: GPS-Denied Modular ISR and Strike System
A soldier-portable system using identical "Peeper" drones configurable for recon or strike. Key features:
- Vision-based navigation (optical flow and template matching) for jamming immunity.
- Human-in-the-loop workflow with short, operator-validated mission legs.
- Modular attachments (batteries, munitions) for rapid reconfiguration—fits in a backpack, costs ~$800/unit.
Modular UAV Guidance via Agentic LLM Vision and Opportunistic Power Harvesting
Our core research explores LLM-driven autonomy for unlimited-range UAVs in denied environments. Highlights:
- Agentic LLMs as hierarchical agents for real-time visual reasoning, target acquisition, and pathfinding (edge or cloud-based).
- Plug-and-play modules that "zombify" existing UAVs, overriding controllers while preserving flight stability.
- Covert power harvesting from utility lines for persistent operation—waveform-aware switching enables indefinite endurance.
- Dual-use tech with strong simulation results; early field testing underway.
All research conducted in a small-team environment, emphasizing rapid prototyping and resilience under EW denial. We welcome select collaboration and are available for consultation.
Research
Our ongoing R&D focuses on next-generation autonomy for high-stakes missions in contested spaces:
- LLM-assisted, human-in-the-loop navigation for dynamic, GPS-denied environments.
- Novel, covert power-harvesting methods to enable persistent UAV endurance.
- Robust vision autonomy under electronic warfare denial, with agentic AI integration.
- Modular systems for rapid reconfiguration and threat countermeasures.
Early prototypes in testing; open to select partnerships.
