The Reality Check: What American Drone Manufacturing Really Means with Randall Warnas

In Part 2 of this insightful DroneCast discussion, Joe Kearns continues his conversation with Randall Warnas, CEO of Anzu Robotics, about the opportunities and challenges of growing an American drone company in today’s complex market. With over a decade of experience in the drone industry—including leadership roles at DJI and now Anzu—Randall brings deep expertise in technology, market dynamics, and building trust with public safety agencies and commercial operators. His work has centered on bridging the gap between American-made drone capabilities and real-world market needs, while navigating the geopolitical and regulatory pressures that shape the industry.

During this episode, Randall shares how Anzu is building credibility through transparency, reliability, and community engagement. He highlights why accessibility and education are as critical as the technology itself, how to realistically integrate AI into drone operations, and why patience and strategic focus are vital to long-term growth. Together, Joe and Randall unpack what it takes for American companies to compete in a DJI-dominated space, offering a rare combination of technical, strategic, and relationship-driven insights.

Whether you’re a public safety professional, policymaker, or commercial drone operator, Part 2 of this conversation provides an unfiltered perspective on the evolving future of U.S. drone manufacturing.

What You’ll Learn:

How to build trust with public safety agencies through reliable technology and transparent practices
Why accessibility and industry education drive adoption more than technical specs alone
A framework for balancing partnership opportunities with limited manufacturing capacity
How to navigate the challenges of American drone manufacturing amid global geopolitical pressures
The reality of AI in drone operations—what’s practical vs. hyp
Why community engagement and education are critical for long-term growth
The hurdles and opportunities in transitioning from international to domestic production
How to ensure product quality and reliability while growing an American drone ecosystem
The importance of balancing innovation with practical, real-world needs
Why patience and strategic focus are key to scaling a U.S. drone company

Helpful Links:

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Episode Highlights:

[01:53] Building Trust Through Reliability and Support - Randall Warnas emphasizes that building trust with public safety agencies requires both reliable technology and strong organizational support. The focus must be on delivering drones that are easy to deploy, integrate well with existing systems, and cost under $10,000 for practical procurement. Their Anzu Care program offers one year of hot-swap replacements to minimize downtime and demonstrate commitment to customer success. Agencies need straightforward solutions without subscription models or complex software requirements to focus on their core mission of saving lives. The key is providing dependable tools that work consistently while backing them with responsive support when issues arise.
[17:31] Education as the Foundation for Industry Growth - Randall Warnas identifies education as the most challenging yet crucial element for advancing drone technology adoption. The hardest audience to reach are the decision-makers who don't directly interact with the technology - lawyers, accountants, and administrators who shape policies and budgets. Building trust requires demonstrating practical applications that solve real problems rather than just showcasing capabilities. The focus should be on creating positive experiences that highlight reliability and utility while avoiding stunts that could damage public perception. Community outreach, especially to schools and youth programs, helps build long-term understanding and acceptance of drone technology.
[27:00] The Practical Impact of AI on Drone Operations - Randall Warnass outlines how AI will transform drone operations by simplifying complex tasks and improving decision-making. The technology enables automated mission planning, analysis, and report generation while maintaining human oversight of critical functions. AI's role is to enhance rather than replace human capabilities, making operations more consistent and reliable. The focus should be on practical applications like optimizing flight patterns and analyzing collected data rather than chasing buzzwords. This approach allows organizations to leverage AI's strengths while maintaining operational control and safety standards.
[31:26] Managing American Drone Manufacturing Expectations - Randall Warnass addresses misconceptions about American-made drones by acknowledging both challenges and opportunities in domestic manufacturing. While current domestic offerings may lack some features of international competitors, they can still effectively accomplish core missions and tasks. The focus should be on delivering reliable solutions rather than trying to match every feature of foreign manufacturers. The transition period requires setting realistic expectations while maintaining confidence in American innovation capabilities. Success depends on finding the right balance between capability and cost while building domestic manufacturing capacity.

Episode Resources:

Randall Warnas on LinkedIn
Joe Kearns on LinkedIn
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