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 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 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.
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 is a strategic move away from the contentious defence sector.
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.
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.
