Lantronix, Inc. LTRX is expanding its footprint in Edge AI-powered drones, considered one of the most strategic technology frontiers in recent times. With the preview of its new Drone Reference Platform, LTRX is positioning itself as a foundational compute partner for next-generation Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) programs across defense, intelligence and industrial markets. Designed for both defense and commercial applications, the platform enables drone OEMs to transition from idea to flight-ready prototype in a fraction of the traditional development time.
As onboard computing demands grow, drones are increasingly classified as Edge AI systems, enabling real-time perception, autonomy and in-flight decision-making. The platform is built around the Open-Q 8550 µSOM, leveraging Qualcomm’s Dragonwing QCS8550 SoC to deliver AI-class processing power suitable for perception, autonomy and analytics. Its compact design is optimized for SWaP-constrained airborne environments.
Key technical highlights include a Linux-based software stack for rapid AI model deployment, Native FLIR Hadron 640 integration, enabling fused thermal and RGB video pipelines, Pixhawk + PX4 compatibility, ensuring deterministic and reliable flight control and validated sensor and payload integrations, reducing uncertainty during development. Together, these elements form a turnkey development ecosystem that supports parallel software development, in-flight validation, and smooth transition to production hardware.
Strategic Implications for Lantronix
Lantronix’s move into turnkey drone compute platforms deepens its position as a key supplier across defense, intelligence and commercial UAV markets, expanding beyond connectivity to deliver mission-critical compute and AI capabilities for FPV and small UAV platforms. Per a report from Mordor Intelligence, the global drones market is valued at $9.29 billion in 2026, and estimated to reach $14.52 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 9.34%.
In December 2025, LTRX announced that its NDAA/TAA-compliant Edge AI technology and engineering services have been selected by Trillium Engineering, a leading maker of gimbaled imaging systems for uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS).
For the second quarter of fiscal 2026, the company expects revenue between $28 million and $32 million, with a midpoint of $30 million. Non-GAAP EPS is projected between 2 cents and 4 cents, with 3 cents at the midpoint.
LTRX’s Zacks Rank & Stock Price Performance
LTRX currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Shares of the company have surged 46.6% in the past year compared with the Zacks Computer Networking industry’s growth of 28.1%.
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Stocks to Consider From the Computer and Technology Space
Some better-ranked stocks from the broader technology space are Ubiquiti Inc. UI, Motorola Solutions MSI and Clearfield, Inc. CLFD. UI sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), while MSI and CLFD carry a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
UI’s earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 54.15%. In the last reported quarter, Ubiquiti delivered an earnings surprise of 39.52%. Its shares have surged 57.9% in the past year.
Motorola’s earnings beat the consensus estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 5.5%. MSI’s long-term earnings growth rate is 9.07%. Its shares have declined 16.2% in the past year.
Clearfield’s earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 92.47%. In the last reported quarter, CLFD delivered an earnings surprise of 44.44%. Its shares have lost 10.9% in the past year.
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This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
