The 10 autonomous-aviation startups raising the most money

Skyryse, which is based in Los Angeles, says it wants to create one simple flight-control system that all aircraft can use.Total raised: $134.2 millionFounded in 2017 by CEO Robert Rose and Chief Technology Officer Juerg Frefel, Reliable Robotics aims to develop automated aircraft to make flying safer, cheaper, and more accessible. The company also created the V-Coptr Falcon, a V-shaped bi-copter with a 50-minute flight time, and the Hover 2, a drone with a flight time of up to 23 minutes that can be controlled by a smartphone app.Total raised: $58 millionFounded in 2016 by CEO Marc Piette, Xwing created autonomous flight technology for rotorcraft, fixed-wing airplanes, and eVTOLs. Xwing, based in San Francisco, plans to initially target the cargo delivery market, saying that flying cargo-carrying autonomous planes over unpopulated areas would likely allow the company to begin commercial operations sooner than if it were to wait for certification to carry passengers.Total raised: $52 millionEHang, founded in 2014 by Huazhi Hu, has developed the EHang 216, an autonomous two-seat aircraft designed to transport both people and cargo. The company is also a leader in the Chinese eVTOL market.Total raised: $46 millionMerlin Labs, founded in 2018 by CEO Matt George, developed autonomous flight technology for fixed-wing aircraft that's similar to the technology used to create autonomous cars.