All images courtesy Axon, used with permission.
Axon, a global leader in public safety technology, has expanded its portfolio with the acquisition of Sky-Hero, making a mature, field-tested suite of tactical robotics available to state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) police agencies across the United States. Previously limited to government and defense use, the Sky-Hero suite is now FCC-approved for broader law enforcement deployment. DRONELIFE sat down with Karl Schultz of Axon to learn more, during Axon Week 25 in Phoenix. Learn more about Axon and its mission at Axon and see event details at Axon Week.
How the Sky-Hero System Works in SWAT Incidents
The Sky-Hero suite is purpose-built to help SWAT teams safely and efficiently clear spaces during high-risk incidents. The system includes a drone, ground robot, and extendable pole camera, all controlled through a ground control unit and supported by a tactical wrist display for real-time video and audio streaming. All components fit into a compact, lightweight backpack, making the system easy to transport and deploy in dynamic environments.
When a SWAT team is tasked with clearing a building or structure, the Sky-Hero system enables officers to gain critical intelligence before entering potentially dangerous spaces. The extendable pole camera, for example, allows officers to silently and quickly inspect crawl spaces, attics, or under stairwells—places where suspects may hide—without exposing themselves to risk. “I was initially unimpressed with the idea—but the more I came to see how police used it, the more I understood,” said Karl Schultz, PhD, VP and Head of Taser New Ventures at Axon. “The pole camera is super fast, absolutely silent—if you just want to go fast, quick and quiet that’s great”.
The drone is designed for indoor flight, with 18 minutes of endurance—more than adequate for most tactical operations, based on direct feedback from SWAT teams. Its “floor mode” allows it to skirt along the ground, using underpowered fans to slip under couches or beds, providing a view of spaces that are otherwise difficult and dangerous to check. This feature is especially useful for locating suspects hiding in low or concealed areas. The drone also offers “turtle mode” to right itself if flipped over, and “happy dog mode” to expose an IR sensor for illuminating spaces for teams equipped with night vision equipment.
The ground robot complements the drone by traversing cluttered environments and always landing upright, regardless of how it falls. While it cannot yet travel upstairs, it can reliably go downstairs and is designed to withstand drops of up to six meters, making it ideal for deployment in multi-level structures. Its rugged design ensures it can operate in unpredictable settings, providing another layer of remote situational awareness. All devices are equipped with best-in-class lowlight cameras and audio sensors to listen for movement or communication. Optional high-intensity LED strobes or distraction lights can be attached to the drone or robot to provide visual disruption during tactical operations, but these are not standard and can be customized for each mission.
Unified Intelligence and Officer Safety
The Sky-Hero suite is engineered as a closed-loop system for security and reliability. However, agencies can integrate Sky-Hero data into the Axon Fusus platform using a sync box, allowing video and audio feeds from drones, robots, and pole cameras to be viewed alongside body camera and fixed surveillance footage on a single pane of glass. This unified view enhances operational awareness for both frontline teams and command staff, streamlining communication and supporting faster, more informed decisions.
By providing real-time intelligence from multiple vectors—overhead, ground-level, and hard-to-reach spaces—the Sky-Hero system allows officers to move with greater confidence and awareness. “Lets the officers move with more confidence through the space—it gives them more awareness and confidence when they go in,” said Karl Schultz. In many cases, these tools can eliminate the need for officers to make direct entry, reducing the risk of injury or escalation. “Now that we have these tools—nobody’s going in. There are fewer shots fired. I think within a year or two, that’s going to be status quo,” Schultz predicted.
Customer Feedback and Impact
Agencies have praised the Sky-Hero suite for its portability, ruggedness, and the ability to quickly broadcast situational data to teams. “They love that it’s all together—that’s one of the things that we cannot break,” said Karl. The system’s affordability and compatibility with Axon’s purchasing models—such as five-year contracts and mid-cycle upgrades—make it accessible to a wide range of agencies.
Reflecting on Axon’s mission, Karl Schultz summed up the impact of the Sky-Hero suite: “Axon’s mission is to protect life—and we believe that drones and robots hit that mission dead center. This equipment protects officers, community, and suspects. I believe that sincerely”
For more information about the Sky-Hero suite, visit Axon Sky-Hero.
Read more from Axon Week 2025:
Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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