Axon CEO and co-founder Rich Smith said the company is planning future drones that can stun perpetrators instead of using lethal force [1].

This development represents a strategic shift toward non-lethal technology in public safety. By replacing firearms with robotic stun devices, the company aims to reduce the reliance on bullets and improve overall outcomes during police encounters [1], [2].

Smith said the company's roadmap during a podcast interview with Motley Fool analyst Jason Moser [3]. He said the goal is to make bullets obsolete by providing first responders with tools that can neutralize threats without causing death [1], [3].

While the technology is not yet available for deployment, Smith said the project is a core part of the company's vision for the future of law enforcement. "The drone that is capable of stopping somebody is in the future," Smith said [1], [2].

Axon, known for its Taser devices and body cameras, is positioning these drones as a way to increase the distance between officers and suspects. This approach is intended to lower the likelihood of fatal escalations during high-risk interventions [2], [3].

The company continues to explore how artificial intelligence and augmented reality can integrate with these drones to enhance the capabilities of first responders [3]. Smith said the focus remains on creating a safer environment for both the public and law enforcement through the adoption of non-lethal alternatives [1].

“"The drone that is capable of stopping somebody is in the future."”

The move toward autonomous or remote-controlled non-lethal weapons suggests a broader industry trend of attempting to decouple police presence from lethal force. If successful, this technology could change the standard operating procedures for high-risk warrants or active-shooter scenarios by introducing a robotic buffer between officers and suspects.