# TerraHaptix shifts focus from Defence to commercial market

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2024/05/terrahaptix-shifts-focus-from-defence-to-commercial-market/
- Published: 2024-05-16T10:27:59+01:00
- Author: Ekene Lionel

Nigerian robotics startup TerraHaptix has announced the closure of its defence division,
marking a strategic shift towards exclusively serving the global commercial market.
This move comes just four months after the company commenced full operations, during
which it reported nearly $1 million in revenue from commercial clients.

The startup’s decision to halt the development and research of military systems 
aligns with its recent unveiling of the [Archer surveillance drone](https://www.military.africa/2024/03/terrahaptix-unveils-archer-a-modular-multi-mission-uav/)
and the Artemis automation operating software. Initially intended as dual-use technologies,
these products are now expected to be dedicated solely to commercial applications.

TerraHaptix, co-founded by young entrepreneurs Maxwell Maduka and Nathan Nwachuku
in 2023, has made a name for itself in the design, manufacture, and sale of autonomous
drones. The company prides itself on its comprehensive in-house development, which
includes airframes, flight computers, firmware, powertrains, and its proprietary
flight OS. TerraHaptix’s mission is ambitious: to revolutionize core global industries
through the application of drone technology.

“Since we launched this company, the board has been deliberating what kind of legacy
we want to leave behind. We do not want ethical disasters in our hands.” – Co-founder,
Nathan Nwachuku says in a press release. “As we get ready to launch our Abuja manufacturing
facility, we want to produce low-cost, mobile robots and automate core industries
globally, not fight wars”.

With its [headquarters](https://www.military.africa/2024/02/terrahaptix-opens-africas-largest-drone-factory/)
in the Idu Industrial District of Abuja, TerraHaptix is poised to manage the entire
lifecycle of its products—from design to production—under one roof, enabling rapid
technological development and iteration.

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The global market for Automation & Robotics, which is transforming sectors like 
Energy, Construction, Mining, and Agriculture, is valued at approximately $268.4
billion. TerraHaptix’s redirection towards this [lucrative commercial market](https://www.military.africa/2022/09/drones-an-essential-technology-component-in-africas-security/)
is a strategic move away from the contentious defence sector.

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This transition pits TerraHaptix against established industry giants such as Boston
Dynamics from the US and China’s DJI. The company’s strategy to leverage Africa 
as a base for cost-effective, high-volume production will be thoroughly tested in
the competitive landscape.

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TerraHaptix had planned to introduce two new product lines within the next four 
months, including a long-range reconnaissance drone for commercial use and a jet-
powered attack drone for military purposes. However, in line with the company’s 
revised direction, the latter is expected to be discontinued.

The company’s suite of systems is powered by the Artemis OS, an AI-driven operating
system that synthesizes vast data streams into a real-time command and control center.
Despite being only six months old, TerraHaptix has secured significant commercial
contracts for its autonomous drones. With the commercial drone market projected 
to reach $34 billion, TerraHaptix has set an ambitious goal to produce 100,000 drones
annually by 2030, positioning itself as a key player in the industry’s future.

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