XTEND robotics software is rapidly becoming one of the most influential technologies shaping the future of modern warfare. Built around the idea that intelligence and control matter more than hardware alone, the Israeli company’s operating system is now attracting global attention from major defense players and military planners.
Founded by brothers Aviv and Matteo Shapira alongside Rubi Liani and Adir Tubi, XTEND focuses on enabling humans to control complex robotic missions remotely. Instead of emphasizing individual drones, the company centers its strategy on software that allows a single operator, supported by artificial intelligence, to manage multiple drones and robotic platforms at once.
How XTEND robotics software fits into modern defense
The growing interest in XTEND robotics software aligns closely with shifting military doctrine in the United States. The Pentagon’s push toward large-scale deployment of low-cost autonomous systems has placed a premium on software that can coordinate drone swarms efficiently while keeping human operators out of direct danger.
This approach has made XTEND a natural fit for initiatives such as Project Replicator, which aims to counter adversaries through mass deployment of autonomous systems rather than reliance on a small number of expensive platforms. XTEND’s loitering attack drones and its XOS operating system are designed to function reliably even in environments where GPS and communications are heavily jammed.
Partnership with Lockheed Martin
XTEND robotics software gained a major boost through a strategic partnership with Lockheed Martin. Under this collaboration, XTEND’s XOS is being integrated into Lockheed’s multi-domain command-and-control architecture, a system intended to coordinate air, ground, and maritime assets from a single interface.
The partnership is being led by Lockheed Martin’s elite Skunk Works division, known for developing some of the most advanced military technologies in history. Recent demonstrations showcased a “marsupial” drone concept, where a larger drone deploys multiple smaller drones during a mission, all controlled by one operator using XTEND’s software.
Why software matters more than drones
XTEND robotics software is built on the principle that future battlefields will be defined by autonomy and human-machine teaming. Rather than assigning one operator per drone, XTEND enables scalable control, reducing cognitive load and operational risk.
The system relies heavily on computer vision and onboard AI, allowing drones to complete missions even when GPS and radio links are unavailable. This capability has already been tested in real-world combat environments, including urban and contested zones, giving XTEND a level of operational credibility few competitors can match.
Expanding beyond military use
While defense remains the company’s core market, XTEND robotics software is not limited to combat applications. The platform is already being adapted for use by police, rescue teams, and industrial robotics firms. Notably, the software is used in robotic systems similar to those developed by Boston Dynamics, highlighting its versatility beyond drones alone.
This dual-use potential strengthens XTEND’s long-term growth prospects by opening doors to civilian and public safety markets.
Rapid growth and future outlook
XTEND reports strong revenue growth driven by defense contracts and recurring software licensing. The company has sold thousands of systems globally and continues to expand its workforce and manufacturing footprint, including production facilities in the United States.
With backing from major investors and increasing interest from government buyers, XTEND robotics software could soon play a central role in how modern militaries deploy autonomous systems at scale. If upcoming trials translate into large procurement contracts, the company’s influence within the global defense technology landscape is expected to grow significantly.
