In a development that underscores the increasing convergence of European expertise in uncrewed aviation, German actuator manufacturer Volz Servos and Spanish autonomous flight specialist Embention have formalised a collaborative effort to integrate their respective technologies. The partnership, which has been detailed in industry announcements, is centred on marrying Volz's actuation hardware with Embention's Veronte autopilot platform. The stated goal is to deliver a dependable, high-performance control solution for the UAV sector, particularly for integrators and operators who must contend with demanding operational environments.
The collaboration is not merely a commercial agreement but a technical integration effort. Volz Servos, known for its robust actuator systems, has worked to ensure its products interface seamlessly with Embention's Veronte Autopilot. According to statements from both companies, the integration is designed to uphold stringent standards across three key pillars: safety, performance, and integration. These are the critical factors for mission-critical operations, where component failure is not an option and where system responsiveness can be the difference between mission success and failure.
The announcement arrives at a time when the UAV ecosystem is experiencing accelerated growth. As the industry matures, the demand for components that are not only high-performance but also adaptable and resilient has intensified. Phillip Volz, CEO of Volz Servos, was quoted in the source material expressing pride in the collaboration, describing the pairing of Veronte and Volz as "a perfect match." He noted that the accelerating growth of the UAV ecosystem necessitates components that are high-performance, adaptable, and resilient, and that this integration enables aerospace companies to push the limits of what is possible in uncrewed aviation.
From Embention's side, the collaboration is framed as a reinforcement of the company's core mission. Javier Espuch, CBDO at Embention, stated that the company is committed to building reliable autopilots and flight controllers for the UAV industry. He added that the collaboration with Volz strengthens this mission by combining Volz's trusted actuation technology with the Veronte Autopilot, ensuring the highest standards of safety, performance, and integration for mission-critical operations.
The partnership is described as a promising match for a wide range of aircraft, suggesting that the integrated solution is not limited to a specific platform type but is intended to be versatile across the uncrewed aircraft spectrum. This flexibility is crucial in a market where platforms vary significantly in size, weight, power requirements, and mission profiles.
Product and availability details
Central to this collaboration is the latest iteration of Embention's autopilot hardware: the Veronte Autopilot 1x 4.12. This release represents a significant step forward from the previous version, 4.8, which was launched in 2022. The new version has been officially announced by Embention and reflects the company's ongoing mission to enhance safety, precision, and performance in UAV systems.
One of the most notable aspects of the 4.12 upgrade is its form factor. Despite the extensive internal upgrades, the Veronte Autopilot 1x 4.12 retains the same size and weight as its predecessor. This is a deliberate design choice that enables easy integration into existing platforms with only minor modifications to the wiring. For integrators, this means that upgrading to the latest autopilot does not necessitate a complete redesign of the airframe or a significant overhaul of the internal layout. The continuity in physical dimensions is a practical advantage that reduces the barrier to adoption for existing UAV platforms.
The hardware improvements in the 4.12 version are substantial and tailored for safety-critical applications. The sensor interface capabilities have been expanded significantly. In terms of serial communication, the RS232 interface has been increased from a single port to two ports. Similarly, the RS485 interface has been doubled from one to two. The UART configuration remains consistent, with one UART and one additional UART reserved for SuC/FTS (likely referring to Safety Unit Controller / Flight Termination System) functions.
The CAN Bus capabilities have also been broadened. The previous version offered 2x CAN Bus 2.0, while the new version maintains those 2x CAN Bus 2.0 ports and adds a dedicated CAN Bus FD (Flexible Data-rate) port. This addition is significant for modern UAV architectures that require higher data throughput for sensors and actuators.
A notable change in the interface configuration is the replacement of USB with Ethernet for enhanced data transfer. This shift reflects the industry's move towards more robust and faster networking standards, which are essential for high-bandwidth data links, payload communication, and rapid log downloads.
The GPIO/PWM configuration has been revised. The previous version offered 16x GPIO/PWM at 3.3V, while the new version provides 8x at 5V. This change indicates a shift towards higher voltage logic, which can be more resilient in noisy electrical environments common in UAVs with high-power motors and servos.
The ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter) inputs have also been updated. The previous version had 5x ADC at 3.3V. The new version maintains 5x ADC inputs but splits them into 3x at 5V and 2x at 36V. The inclusion of a 36V ADC channel is particularly useful for monitoring higher-voltage power buses directly, such as those found in larger electric or hybrid-electric propulsion systems.
The I2C interface remains unchanged, with 1x I2C maintained. This is likely for connecting to specific sensors or peripherals that utilise the I2C protocol.
Beyond the interface changes, the Veronte Autopilot 1x 4.12 introduces enhanced signal control on startup. This is a critical feature for ensuring that actuators and other peripherals do not behave erratically during the boot sequence, which is a common source of issues in complex UAV systems.
The power input range has been extended significantly. The previous version accepted an input voltage range of 6.5-36V. The new version expands this to 8-54V. This wider range accommodates a broader array of power systems, including those using higher-voltage batteries or hybrid power sources, providing greater flexibility in aircraft design.
Finally, the GNSS antenna voltage has been increased from 3.3V to 5V. This change can improve the performance of certain GNSS receivers that require higher voltage for their active antennas, potentially leading to better signal reception and more reliable positioning.
What it means for buyers
For system integrators, UAV manufacturers, and operators, this collaboration and the accompanying hardware update carry several practical implications. The integration of Volz actuators with the Veronte Autopilot means that buyers can source a validated, tested combination of critical flight control components. This reduces the integration risk that often accompanies mixing and matching components from different vendors. The fact that the two companies have explicitly worked to ensure compatibility suggests that buyers can expect a smoother development process, with fewer surprises during the integration phase.
The retention of the same size and weight for the Veronte Autopilot 1x 4.12 is a direct benefit for existing users. It allows for a straightforward upgrade path. Buyers who are currently using a previous version of the Veronte Autopilot can upgrade to the 4.12 without needing to redesign their aircraft's avionics bay or adjust the mounting points. The only requirement is minor modifications to the wiring, which is a manageable task for most integration teams.
The expanded sensor interfaces are particularly relevant for complex missions. The doubling of RS232 and RS485 ports provides more flexibility for connecting to legacy sensors, payloads, or communication devices that use these serial protocols. The addition of CAN Bus FD is forward-looking, as it supports the higher data rates required by modern, more capable sensors and actuators. For buyers planning to use high-resolution cameras, LiDAR, or advanced communication systems, the Ethernet interface will be a welcome upgrade, offering faster data transfer speeds for payload data and system logs.
The revised GPIO/PWM and ADC configurations require careful consideration. The change from 16x GPIO/PWM at 3.3V to 8x at 5V means that buyers who previously relied on a large number of low-voltage GPIO pins will need to assess whether the reduced count meets their needs. However, the shift to 5V logic is generally more robust in the electrically noisy environment of a UAV. Similarly, the ADC changes, particularly the addition of 36V inputs, offer new capabilities for monitoring higher-voltage systems directly, which was not possible with the previous 3.3V-only configuration.
The extended power input range from 8-54V is a significant advantage for buyers designing aircraft with diverse power architectures. It allows the autopilot to be used in smaller UAVs with lower-voltage batteries as well as larger platforms with 48V or higher power systems, without the need for an external voltage regulator or DC-DC converter for the autopilot itself.
The enhanced signal control on startup is a subtle but crucial improvement. In the field, erratic actuator behaviour during power-up can cause delays or even safety incidents. This feature addresses that pain point, making the system more reliable from the moment it is switched on.
The increased GNSS antenna voltage is another improvement that can have a tangible impact on operational reliability. By providing 5V to the GNSS antenna, the autopilot can support a wider range of active antennas, which may offer better performance in challenging signal environments, such as urban canyons or areas with heavy radio frequency interference.
It is important to note that while the source material provides detailed specifications for the Veronte Autopilot 1x 4.12, it does not disclose specific pricing, availability dates beyond the announcement, or detailed technical specifications of the Volz actuators used in the integration. Buyers seeking this information would need to contact the manufacturers directly. Similarly, the source material does not specify the exact aircraft types that have been validated with this integrated solution, nor does it provide specific performance metrics, such as flight hours logged or specific mission types tested.
Furthermore, the source material references other Volz projects, including a contribution to a major electric aviation milestone with Vertical Aerospace and the development of customised actuator technology for Quantum Systems' Twister. While these projects demonstrate Volz's broader capabilities in the actuation space, they are separate from the Embention collaboration and do not provide additional details about the specific integration with the Veronte Autopilot.
The collaboration between Volz Servos and Embention is a clear signal of the trend towards deeper vertical integration and partnership within the European UAV supply chain. By combining forces, these two companies are aiming to offer a more complete, tested, and reliable solution to the market. For buyers, this means a reduction in the complexity of sourcing and integrating critical flight control components, and a greater degree of confidence in the final product's performance and safety. The Veronte Autopilot 1x 4.12, with its expanded capabilities and maintained form factor, provides a compelling upgrade path for existing users and a robust option for new designs.
Sources
- https://www.unmannedsystemstechnology.com/2025/10/volz-embention-partner-for-uav-actuation-autopilot-integration/
Published by Vigla Media OÜ (Estonia).