Detroit, February 1, 2026
Birdstop, a California-based drone technology company, has moved its headquarters to Detroit to take advantage of the city’s manufacturing heritage. The new 420,000-square-foot facility aims to significantly increase drone production, utilizing Detroit’s supply chain and workforce. Birdstop specializes in Beyond Visual Line of Sight operations, providing automated air support services. The move is aligned with Detroit’s efforts to integrate advanced air mobility solutions, enhancing the region’s status as a drone innovation hub.
Detroit
Birdstop, a California-based drone technology company, has relocated its headquarters to Detroit, aiming to leverage the city’s manufacturing heritage to advance drone innovation.
The company unveiled its new 420,000-square-foot facility in Detroit, with plans to build thousands, even hundreds of thousands, of drones. The strategic choice of location was informed by Detroit’s manufacturing strengths and the significant scale of manufacturing education in the area.
Birdstop specializes in Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, providing on-schedule and on-demand air support using automated drone systems. The company’s technology includes real-time electro-optical/infrared data streams and computer vision analytics, offering comprehensive intelligence to operations centers and on-the-ground personnel.
Detroit’s existing supply chain and talent pool have been instrumental in Birdstop’s expansion. The company has been hiring locally and relocating staff from other parts of the country to build on Detroit’s manufacturing legacy.
Birdstop’s move to Detroit aligns with the city’s ongoing efforts to integrate advanced air mobility solutions. The Detroit Region Aerotropolis is developing digital infrastructure to safely incorporate drones into the national airspace, providing data into the AirHub Launch platform, an FAA-approved Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) UAS Service Supplier.
By establishing its headquarters in Detroit, Birdstop aims to contribute to the city’s evolution as a hub for drone innovation and manufacturing, leveraging its rich industrial history to shape the future of autonomous aerial technology.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why did Birdstop relocate its headquarters to Detroit?
Birdstop relocated its headquarters to Detroit to leverage the city’s manufacturing heritage and advanced manufacturing education to advance drone innovation.
What does Birdstop specialize in?
Birdstop specializes in Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, providing on-schedule and on-demand air support using automated drone systems.
How is Detroit supporting drone innovation?
Detroit is supporting drone innovation through initiatives like the Detroit Region Aerotropolis, which is developing digital infrastructure to safely integrate drones into the national airspace.
Key Features of Birdstop’s Operations
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| BVLOS Operations | Conducts Beyond Visual Line of Sight operations, enabling remote drone operations without direct visual contact. |
| Automated Drone Systems | Utilizes automated drone systems for on-schedule and on-demand air support. |
| Real-Time Data Streams | Provides real-time electro-optical/infrared data streams and computer vision analytics to operations centers and on-the-ground personnel. |
| Manufacturing Expansion | Plans to build thousands, even hundreds of thousands, of drones at its new Detroit facility. |
| Local Hiring | Hiring locally and relocating staff from other parts of the country to build on Detroit’s manufacturing legacy. |
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Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
