Velodyne Space to Showcase Counter-UAS System at CES 2026
- Meet the Velodyne Space team at their booth – LVCC, West Hall — 7075
- Launch equipment demos
- Direct conversations with the engineers and More!
David Hall and his team at Velodyne Space will showcase a counter-UAS system at CES 2026 that represents a clear shift toward safer, capture-based approaches to addressing drone threats. Rather than destroying drones mid-air, the system is designed to safely capture them using a combination of lidar sensing, AI-assisted detection, and a magnetic electronic launch system.
The vehicle-mounted platform stops unauthorized or dangerous drones by firing a net that entangles the aircraft and deploys a parachute, allowing it to descend safely. This approach avoids the risks associated with kinetic interceptors or electronic jamming, including falling debris, interference with nearby systems, and reduced effectiveness against autonomous or fiber-optic-controlled drones. Capturing the drone also preserves evidence for forensic investigation, helping identify operators, intent, and origin.
Detection relies on a layered sensor stack that includes cameras, lidar for precise ranging, thermal imaging for low-visibility conditions, and AI-assisted tracking. All sensor data is presented on a single interface, with a human operator remaining in the decision loop at all times. Once authorized, the system calculates target motion and automatically leads the drone prior to engagement.
A key differentiator is the Magnetic Electronic Launch system, which uses coils and capacitors instead of explosives or rails. This enables rapid re-firing, up to five launches per second, making the system suitable for potential swarm scenarios. Powered by a 400-volt electric vehicle battery, the platform is intended for deployment at airports, stadiums, correctional facilities, borders, and other critical infrastructure.
At CES, attendees will have multiple opportunities to experience the system firsthand. The Velodyne Space team will have the van in the booth, with hardware on display, including the movable barrel to demonstrate the full range of motion. A video simulation will also be available, giving visitors a clear view of how the system detects and captures drones. While the live demo is planned for spring 2026, the booth will provide a tangible sense of how the system operates in real-world conditions and an opportunity to speak directly with the team about its capabilities and design.
For additional background, David Hall recently appeared on the UAV News Talk podcast hosted by Max Trescott, where he discusses his early work pioneering lidar for autonomous vehicles and how those experiences led directly to the development of this system.
Podcast: Counter-UAS Drone Defense: Capturing Drones with LiDAR, Nets, and Parachutes
Check out Velodyne Space’ page on CES – it’s incredibly informative and interesting: https://www.velodynespace.com/ces-2026
