Aerora Technology: Drone ODM Products and Process

What is Aerora Technology?

Aerora Technology is a business-to-business engineering and manufacturing company. It does not sell drones to hobbyists or to the public. Its customers are OEMs: companies that want to put a drone, robot, camera system or other autonomous product on the market under their own name, and need a partner to design and build all or part of it.

The site sums up its role in one line: "As your ODM partner, Aerora designs, develops, manufactures and deploys intelligent hardware and software solutions for aerial, ground, maritime, and robotic systems." Its footer describes it as "an engineering-led Original Design Manufacturer specializing in autonomous systems and robotics technologies," and its tagline is "Trusted by Design."

In practice, the site shows three kinds of work:

• Full programs. Taking an OEM from requirements through design, prototypes, testing, volume manufacturing and after-sales support.
• Subsystems. Designing or supplying a part of the product, such as the motors and propellers, the battery pack, the flight controller electronics, the gimbal camera or the radio link.
• Ready-made building blocks. Its own products (a ground control station, a dual-sensor AI camera and a motor range) that an OEM can integrate and, according to the data sheets, white-label with its own branding.

The company's About text says Aerora "accelerates UAV and robotics innovation by offering fully integrated, NDAA-compliant propulsion, smart controllers, and precision AI payload systems," and that it manages "the entire supply chain." NDAA compliance is the company's own description; see the compliance section for what that does and does not cover.

What does "ODM partner" mean here?

An original design manufacturer designs a product and also manufactures it, while the customer (the OEM) sells it under its own brand. That differs from a contract manufacturer, which builds to a design the customer already has, and from an engineering consultancy, which designs but does not manufacture at volume.

Aerora's home page describes the relationship this way: "As an Original Design Manufacturer (ODM) Aerora partners with OEMs to design, develop, manufacture, and scale advanced technology products. We provide the engineering expertise, production capabilities, and lifecycle support needed to transform innovative concepts into market-ready solutions." It then splits the offer into three modes:

For a buyer, the practical point is that one partner can hold the design, the supply chain and the factory relationship. That can save handoffs. It also means questions about intellectual property, tooling ownership and exit terms matter more than with a build-to-print shop. Aerora does not publish its IP or tooling terms, so ask (see questions to ask).

Who runs Aerora?

The website does not have a team or leadership page. The one person it names in a company role is Ghel Ghedh, described as Aerora's chief technology officer in the June 2025 news post about its collaboration with Lantronix. In that post he is quoted as saying the company's "core mission is to deliver rapid integration, flexible sensor solutions and fully NDAA-compliant manufacturing at scale." The same quote appears in Lantronix's own press release.

A public record adds a little more. The Oregon Secretary of State business registry lists Aerora North America, Inc., a Delaware corporation registered in Oregon as a foreign business corporation on 18 May 2026, with a principal place of business in Portland and a mailing address in care of Ghel Ghedh. The website does not mention this entity name, so if the legal contracting entity matters to you (for purchase orders, NDAs or supplier onboarding), ask Aerora which entity you will contract with.

The site does not publish an owner, founder, founding year or headcount. Its footer reads "Copyright © 2025 - Aerora Technology."

Where is Aerora, and where does it manufacture?

The site names two U.S. locations, on different pages:

• Santa Clara, California. The contact block on the Solutions, Services, Technology and Privacy pages says "Headquartered in Santa Clara, CA., our team is ready to assist you." The "About Aerora" paragraph in the 2025 news post also says it is based in Santa Clara.
• Portland, Oregon. The About page ends: "Aerora™ is based in Portland, Oregon." The company's own guides FAQ says it has locations in both Santa Clara and Portland, and the Oregon business record above lists a Portland principal place of business.

No street address, phone number or office hours are published on the site. Meetings, site visits and design reviews are arranged through the contact form.

Manufacturing. Aerora manufactures in the USA. Its model, as the home page lays it out under "Manufacturing & Supply Chain":

1. U.S. Engineering Leadership: "Program management, architecture, design, customer engagement and full RMA support programs."
2. Manufacturing: Aerora's data sheets state products are "Assembled, tested, and manufactured in the USA."
3. Supply Chain Resilience: "Diversified sourcing, production flexibility, and long-term program support."

Is Aerora legit? What can be checked

For a B2B engineering partner, "legit" usually means: is this a real company, does it have real products and real partners, and can I check its claims? Here is what is on the public record:

• A registered business. The Oregon Secretary of State registry shows Aerora North America, Inc., registered 18 May 2026, with a registered agent and a Portland principal place of business.
• A named technology partner that confirms the relationship. Lantronix, a Nasdaq-listed company (LTRX), announced a collaboration with Aerora in a 17 June 2025 press release on its own site, describing Aerora as "a provider of integrated NDAA-compliant propulsion, ground control and precision AI payload systems."
• Published data sheets. The Solutions page links three PDF data sheets with detailed specifications: the GS7 ground control station, the D64TR camera and the UAV motor range. Detailed specs are something you can test against samples.
• A named executive. The CTO is named and quoted in both the company's post and the partner's release.
• Stated certifications on specific products. The GS7 data sheet lists IC, FCC and CE for the controller and IC, PTCRB and GCF for its LTE module. The D64TR data sheet lists FCC and IP44. You can ask for the certificates or FCC IDs.

What is not on the site: customer names (the case studies say "an OEM"), a founding date, a street address, a phone number, independent reviews or ratings, and the name of any quality certification behind its "Certified Quality Management" service. None of that means something is wrong, since many ODMs keep customers confidential, but it does mean your due diligence will happen in conversation: ask for references, certificates, a facility visit and sample units.

What Aerora builds: the six capability areas

The home page groups its work into six areas, each with a one-word role:

The site footer also lists solution lines (multirotor drone platforms, VTOL platforms, payloads, remote data link and propulsion system). The multirotor and VTOL links lead to the general Solutions page, which does not have a separate section on airframes, so ask if a complete platform is what you need.

Aerora's own products and data sheets

The Solutions page presents three product families, each with a downloadable data sheet. All three data sheets carry the line "Specifications subject to change without notice" or similar, and list customerservice@aerora.us as the contact.

GS7 ground control station and remote data link

The GS7 is a handheld ground control station (the controller a pilot or operator uses). The data sheet says it is "designed to meet the demanding needs of enterprise and first responder applications," that its modular design "allows you to select a radio vendor for your drone," and that it offers white-labeling. Published specifications include:

The Solutions page adds that its data link carries 1080p HD video at data rates up to 40 Mbps, uses OFDM and MIMO, and supports dual-band 2.4 and 5 GHz operation with AES-256 encryption.

D64TR dual-sensor AI camera and gimbal payloads

The payload data sheet describes the D64TR as a "Dual Sensor AI Camera" that "combines 64MP RGB and FLIR thermal imaging with real-time AI processing," aimed at first responders and industrial inspection, among other uses. Published specifications:

Beyond the D64TR, the Solutions page says its payload lineup covers LiDAR, multi-sensor RGB and thermal cameras, laser range meters, oblique camera systems and multispectral imaging, powered by "a 7nm Qualcomm processor capable of ultra-high resolution image processing up to 200 Megapixels," with AI object tracking and plug-and-play gimbals for small to mid-sized UAVs.

UAV motors and propulsion

The motor data sheet ("UAV Power Motors") lists five families. The figures below are the ranges printed on the sheet.

The combo sets are described as a modularized propulsion system with field-oriented control (FOC) by default (BLDC for custom options), a proprietary quick-release propeller design and carbon fiber arms. The gimbal motors are listed with "angle precision of 0.01 degree" and a choice of digital encoder or hall-effect sensor.

The engineering behind it, area by area

The Technology page lists nine engineering disciplines. These are the capabilities Aerora offers on custom programs, described in its own words where it gives specifics.

• Aerodynamic and mechanical design. Experience in aerodynamics and CFD (computational fluid dynamics) and composite materials, aimed at light, strong platforms with good wind stability.
• Algorithms. Its flight and system control uses Active Disturbance Rejection Control (ADRC), which the company says mitigates errors inherent in the common PID approach by observing disturbances and adapting quickly, and which it says has been used on multirotor, fixed-wing and tilt-rotor platforms and in its gimbals.
• Batteries. Custom packs from industrial drones to lightweight FPV setups, using LiPo, Li-ion, LiFePO4, 18650 and pouch cells, with cell-level and pack-level testing for capacity, cycle life, discharge and thermal behavior, from design and cell sourcing through mass production.
• Electronics design. Flight controllers, battery management systems (BMS), sensors and image modules, with redundant backups for critical controllers and sensors. It lists design experience on Intel, Rockchip, Qualcomm, Hisilicon, Nvidia, Amba, TI and ST platforms, and real-time simulation for high-speed PCB design.
• Electronic speed controllers (ESCs). Sensorless FOC algorithms the company calls "patent pending," running 60,000 calculations per second. It claims 50% higher RPM than "industry standard limits" and a "worry-free" mode that switches from 1,000 RPM to reverse 1,000 RPM within 200 ms for emergencies.
• Embedded software. Full-system customization on Android and Linux, from board support packages to apps, including onboard image acquisition, visual computing and portable ground station software, with low-latency video streaming.
• Gimbals. The page states stabilization precision of ±0.005° for gimbals with 30x optical zoom, brushless motors built to reduce cogging, magnetic encoders and a 100-microsecond FOC response time. (The D64TR data sheet lists ±0.02° for that camera.)
• Motor design. Motors from its "08 series to robust 95 series," plus gimbal motors for loads up to 3 kg, sized through electromagnetic and thermal analysis rather than trial and error.
• Propellers. Rotor design using blade element and momentum theory, 2D and 3D CFD, and a database of past projects, then prototype validation. The company says this process typically halves development time and cost.

Performance figures here are the company's own claims. If a number matters to your program (gimbal precision, ESC response, thrust), ask how it was measured and request test data or sample units.

Services: design, NPI and manufacturing

The Services page lists three groups. It names each service without longer descriptions, so the short notes below explain the standard meaning of each term.

The site does not name the quality standard behind "Certified Quality Management." If you need a specific certification (for example an ISO quality management standard), ask for the certificate and its scope.

How a program works, step by step

The home page sets out a seven-step process under "Proven ODM Processes: From Prototype To Scalable Production":

1. Discover: "Requirements, constraints, and mission definition."
2. Design: "Architecture, mechanical, electronic, and software."
3. Prototype: "Rapid builds and design iteration."
4. Validate: "Test, qualify, and prove out in the field."
5. Manufacture: "DFM, tooling, and production ramp."
6. Deploy: "Launch support and program rollout."
7. Support: "Sustaining engineering across the lifecycle."

In practical terms, the first contact is the inquiry form. The site's buttons call it a "Design Inquiry" and a "Consultation." The form asks for your name, email, company, city, country, state or province and a message. The company's guides FAQ suggests including a short description of the product, its key requirements, target volumes and timeline, and says a requirements document and any existing designs speed up the first conversation.

After launch, Aerora lists "full RMA support programs" (handling returns and repairs) as part of its U.S. engineering role, and Support as the last stage of the process. Warranty length and turnaround times are not published.

Case studies and the Lantronix collaboration

The site shows two case studies, without naming the customers.

1. Rapid integration and manufacturing for EO/IR camera systems. An OEM needed a dual optical and thermal (EO/IR) camera for its drone, quickly. According to the site, Aerora selected a FLIR Hadron camera (640 x 512 thermal and 64 MP optical), used Lantronix system-on-module (SOM) hardware and engineering support with Qualcomm processing, and integrated it all on a 3-axis gimbal. The company says this "significantly reduced the OEM's development timeline and resource allocation."

2. Smart camera integration program. This one describes the next step: reusing the same SOM-based integration model for other sensors, including multispectral cameras for agricultural monitoring and optical gas imaging (OGI) sensors for methane detection, deployed on drones and ground robots.

The Lantronix collaboration. On 17 June 2025, Lantronix announced a collaboration with Aerora on edge AI for drones, robotics and surveillance. Aerora reposted the release on its News page (the post shows 24 June 2025). Per the release, Aerora's solution runs on Lantronix Open-Q system-on-modules powered by Qualcomm chipsets and incorporates the Teledyne FLIR Hadron 640R module and Prism software. The release says Aerora's full-stack solution pre-integrates the camera, gimbal, gimbal motors, housing, telemetry and interface, streaming 4K video alongside thermal video, and that Aerora "is working with multiple OEM drone manufacturers." The release mentions a white paper; the "Download Our White Paper" button on the Solutions page did not lead to a file when we checked, so ask the company for a copy.

Which markets Aerora serves

The home page lists six markets under "Enabling Innovation Across Autonomous Industries":

• Aerial Systems: commercial UAVs and industrial drones.
• Ground Robotics: mobile robotic and automated systems.
• Maritime Systems: surface and subsea autonomy.
• Agriculture & Forestry: precision sensing and automated detection.
• Security & Inspection: drones for security and inspection work.
• Smart Devices & Vision Systems: connected products and edge AI.

The product material is concrete about aerial use (first responders, industrial inspection, mapping-style payloads, heavy-lift and delivery motors). Ground and maritime work appear mostly as capability statements and in the second case study, so if you are building a ground or maritime product, ask for examples of comparable past work.

How much does Aerora cost?

Aerora does not publish prices, minimum order quantities (MOQs) or lead times, for its own products or for engineering programs. Its guides FAQ says these "depend on each program's scope, volumes and requirements," and that IP and tooling terms are set per agreement. That is normal for an ODM.

What usually drives the cost of an ODM program:

• Where you start. A clean-sheet design costs more than adapting an existing architecture (Aerora's "Customize & Differentiate" mode), which costs more than building a finished design.
• Non-recurring engineering (NRE). Design hours, prototypes, test rounds (EVT, DVT, PVT) and certification testing are often billed separately from unit prices.
• Tooling. Molds, fixtures and test stations, and who owns them afterwards.
• Volume. Unit price normally falls as committed volume rises.
• Components. Thermal cores, compute modules and radios can dominate a bill of materials.
• Compliance needs. Sourcing documentation, country-of-origin requirements and certifications add work.

To get a number, send a design inquiry with your requirements, target volumes and timeline. For the GS7, D64TR or motors, ask for unit pricing at your volume, sample pricing and whether white-labeling changes the price.

NDAA, Blue UAS and FCC questions

Buyers of drone hardware in the U.S. often ask three separate compliance questions. Here is what Aerora's own pages say on each. This is a summary of the company's statements, not legal or regulatory advice; confirm your own requirements with the agency or a compliance advisor.

• NDAA. Aerora describes its products and manufacturing as NDAA-compliant throughout the site and data sheets (the data sheets say "100% NDAA Compliant"). Its guides FAQ notes that this is "Aerora's own description, not a third-party certification." NDAA rules restrict certain components and sources in drones bought with federal money. Ask for a bill of materials showing the maker and country of origin of covered parts for the configuration you are buying.
• Blue UAS. The company's guides FAQ states plainly: "Aerora is not on the Blue UAS Cleared List or the Blue UAS Framework." Blue UAS is a separate Defense Department review program. If your buyer requires Blue UAS listed hardware, Aerora's products are not listed today.
• FCC equipment authorization. Aerora's guides FAQ discusses the FCC's December 2025 action adding foreign-produced drones and critical drone components to its Covered List, and recommends that buyers ask for each product's FCC authorization status. Raise it early, for each product and configuration.

How an ODM compares with other ways to build

Who it suits, and who should look elsewhere

Questions to ask before you sign

1. Which legal entity will we contract with, and where will engineering, assembly and testing of our product happen?
2. Who owns the design IP, firmware and tooling at the end of the program, and what happens if we move production later?
3. What is the NRE estimate, the sample price and the unit price at our volumes? What are the MOQs and lead times?
4. What FCC authorization or exemption applies to our product configuration, and can you show NDAA sourcing documentation for each covered part?
5. Which quality certification sits behind "Certified Quality Management," and what is its scope?
6. Can we see test data for the performance figures we care about (gimbal precision, ESC response, thrust, battery cycle life)?
7. What do warranty, RMA turnaround and sustaining engineering look like after launch?
8. Can you share references from OEMs with a similar product, and can we visit the facility?

How to get started

1. Review the Solutions page and download the data sheets for the GS7, the D64TR camera and the motor range.
2. Read the Technology page to match your needs to its engineering areas.
3. Prepare a short brief: what the product does, key requirements, target volumes, timeline, and any compliance needs (NDAA, FCC, country of origin).
4. Submit it through the contact form, or email customerservice@aerora.us as listed on the data sheets.

Visit Aerora Technology

Terms you'll see on the site

• ODM (original design manufacturer): a company that designs and manufactures a product that another company sells under its own brand.
• OEM (original equipment manufacturer): here, the brand owner that sells the finished drone or robot.
• NPI (new product introduction): the stage that takes a design through prototypes and testing into production.
• EVT, DVT, PVT: engineering, design and production validation tests, the three test stages before mass production.
• DFM (design for manufacturing): adjusting a design so it can be built reliably and economically at volume.
• RMA (return merchandise authorization): the process for returning and repairing faulty units.
• GCS (ground control station): the controller and screen an operator uses to fly a drone and view its video.
• EO/IR: electro-optical (visible light) and infrared (thermal) imaging, often combined in one gimbal camera.
• ESC (electronic speed controller): the electronics that drive each motor.
• FOC (field-oriented control): a motor control method that gives smoother, quieter and more efficient control than basic BLDC drive.
• ADRC (active disturbance rejection control): a control method that estimates and cancels disturbances such as wind in real time.
• SOM (system-on-module): a small board carrying the processor, memory and core electronics, built into a larger product.
• TOPS: trillions of operations per second, a common measure of AI processing capacity.
• OGI (optical gas imaging): camera technology that makes gas leaks, such as methane, visible.
• NDAA: the National Defense Authorization Act, whose provisions restrict certain drone components and sources in federal purchases.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

All pages checked on 19 October 2026.

1. Aerora Technology, home page: aeroratech.com
2. About: aeroratech.com/about/
3. Drone Solutions: aeroratech.com/drone-solutions/
4. Technology: aeroratech.com/drone-technology/
5. Services: aeroratech.com/drone-services/
6. Contact: aeroratech.com/contact-us/
7. News post, "Next-Gen Edge AI Solutions for the Real World": aeroratech.com news
8. Data sheets: GS7 ground control station (PDF), D64TR payload (PDF), UAV motors (PDF)
9. Drone and robotics OEM FAQ (company questions): aeroratech.com/guides/faq/
10. Privacy policy: aeroratech.com/privacy-policy/
11. Lantronix press release, 17 June 2025: lantronix.com
12. Oregon Secretary of State business registry, Aerora North America, Inc. (registry no. 257661398): data.oregon.gov