Made in Australia: CubePilot Returns Drone Manufacturing, Hiring Now in Geelong
When you think of “Made in Australia,” you might picture koalas or Vegemite. Now, you can add cutting-edge drone production to that list. Thanks to CubePilot, Geelong is becoming a hub of robotics and aerial technology innovation.
Why CubePilot’s Return Matters
CubePilot, an esteemed name in the global drone and robotics industry, is bringing extensive drone manufacturing back to Australia, specifically in Norlane, Geelong. For tech enthusiasts and engineers dedicated to local advancements, this development signifies Australia’s comeback in the contemporary industrial era.
This article explores the significance of this move, CubePilot’s offerings, and what it means for technology professionals, the community, and future innovations.
The Legacy: From DIY Roots to Global Powerhouse
CubePilot’s journey is one of open innovation and robust hardware development. Originating from the Pixhawk open-source autopilot project, CubePilot has grown into a major supplier of autopilot systems in Australia.
- The Cube Autopilot is an all-encompassing flight controller, setting industry standards for hobbyists and professionals. It’s utilized in projects from drone delivery to academic research and industrial operations.
- CubePilot’s focus on open architecture has fostered a dynamic community, gaining loyalty from DIY builders and commercial UAV developers alike.
“CubePilot’s ecosystem has become a cornerstone of both DIY drone and professional UAV sectors. They aim to drive innovation through open architecture, offering adaptable autopilot solutions for delivery drones to academic platforms.”
Why Manufacture in Australia Now?
Recent global supply chain challenges underscore the risks of heavy reliance on overseas production. Bringing manufacturing home to Geelong allows CubePilot to:
- Bolster national security concerning sensitive UAV technology.
- Create job opportunities for Australians, from toolmakers to CNC operators and automation experts.
- Ensure rapid prototyping and custom solution development.
- Enhance resilience in the local tech industry, setting a precedent for other Australian companies.
Due to the nature of this work, Australian citizenship and a passport are essential for employment.
The Geelong Opportunity: Hiring & Community Growth
CubePilot’s Norlane facility isn’t just a production site; it’s a tech hub where ideas transform into machines that assist various sectors globally.
CubePilot Is Hiring:
- Toolmakers
- CNC Operators
- Cleaners
- Injection Moulding Specialists
- Factory Automation Experts
- SMT Operators
- Production Line Workers
This initiative is set to invigorate the local economy, drawing a new wave of Australian engineers and technicians into the drone field.
Australian-Made, Globally Recognized: Compliance & Trust
Where a drone is manufactured is critical for sectors like defense and government. CubePilot meets all necessary compliance standards:
- NDAA Compliant: Products adhere to US National Defense Authorization Act requirements, suitable for US defense applications.
- Products are manufactured strictly in sites across Australia, the USA, and Taiwan, except for Herelink, which is assembled in China through a cooperative effort.
CubePilot’s Products: More Than Just Drones
Beyond consumer drones, CubePilot creates control systems for air, land, and sea unmanned vehicles:
- Autopilot Systems: Their flight controllers, like Cube Red and Cube Orange, serve as “nerve centers” for various UAV types.
- Open-Source Innovation: Running on open-source software, CubePilot invites collaboration and customization.
- Flexible Integration: Utilized in diverse fields from precision agriculture to emergency services.
CubePilot’s systems even support autonomously teaming projects like Australia’s Loyal Wingman aircraft, showcasing their dependable and versatile nature.
Open Innovation: Breaking Down Barriers
CubePilot strongly upholds the open-source philosophy, advocating for open access to vital drone patents and challenging restrictions to allow global innovation.
Industry Collaboration
- Dr. Andrew Tridgell recently collaborated with CubePilot to develop stabilization for dual-motor multicopters, overcoming patent constraints.
Real-World Impact: Stories & Use Cases
Globally, CubePilot’s drones are revolutionizing areas such as:
- Disaster Relief: Mapping and delivering emergency supplies in flood-hit regions.
- Wildlife Monitoring: Eco-friendly monitoring of endangered species.
- Agricultural Automation: Enhancing crop productivity through smart drones.
- Global Competitions: Their products featured prominently at UAV competitions like XPONENTIAL 2025.
These contributions underscore CubePilot’s impact on the global drone landscape.
How CubePilot Is Different: Brand Personality & Community
CubePilot is not a faceless corporation; they’re a team of enthusiastic engineers committed to fostering the next generation of innovators.
- Approachable Experts: Known for their support and engagement with enthusiasts of all levels.
- Education & Outreach: Organizing workshops and hacks to ignite STEM curiosity nationwide.
- Aussie Humor: The team is renowned for their light-hearted community spirit.
The Future: Australia’s Place in Global Drone Tech
With CubePilot embedding itself in Geelong, Australia is poised to:
- Attract technology-driven talent and entrepreneurs.
- Enhance domestic manufacturing and tech independence.
- Build a reputation as a trusted supplier for global unmanned systems.
Want to Get Involved?
If you are driven to develop impactful technology in Australia, CubePilot’s doors are open as they expand their team in Geelong.
Send your CV to CubePilot, and become part of the team shaping the skies of tomorrow.
From purchasing a drone to exploring business applications or joining an esteemed team, CubePilot’s return is a definitive signal: Australia’s drone industry is on the rise.
