Drones, Robots & the Low-Altitude Economy: A New Industry Is Born

In this episode of the Altium OnTrack podcast, host Zach Peterson welcomes Gabriel Guglielmi, VP of Global Product Management at Infinite Electronics, to discuss the rapidly evolving world of unmanned systems and the emerging low-altitude economy. Guglielmi traces his career from mechanical engineering in France to decades in semiconductors and interconnects, highlighting how interconnect technology has become as critical as semiconductors in modern high-speed, dense systems. He draws parallels between the disruption caused by SpaceX in space and the current revolution in unmanned systems, particularly in military and civilian applications. From drones delivering medicine in remote areas to law enforcement surveillance and infrastructure inspection, the potential is vast. Guglielmi emphasizes the dual-use nature of modern drones—designed for both military and civilian markets—and the urgent need for a secure, US-based supply chain to replace reliance on Chinese manufacturers. He sees this as a massive opportunity, not just for national security but for economic growth and innovation. Infinite Electronics plays a key role by providing high-performance connectivity solutions across drones, ground systems, and underwater vehicles, supporting both startups and established players in this fast-moving ecosystem. The episode closes on an optimistic note, framing the rise of unmanned systems as the birth of a new industry and economy akin to the internet boom of the 1990s.