The software-as-a-service platform applies more than 160 AI models to inspection data from third-party drones, sensors and archives. A new leadership team will lead Percepto’s software-first expansion.
Percepto launched Axion, a hardware-agnostic Physical AI platform for mission-critical infrastructure operators, on October 27, 2026. The Austin, Texas company designed Axion to give operators a continuously updated understanding of their infrastructure and the information to act before problems escalate. With the launch, Percepto opens its platform to companies using existing or new drone fleets, third-party sensors or other data collection channels, not only its own hardware.
The launch follows Percepto’s introduction of next-generation inspection software at InnovateEnergy Week in June.
How Percepto Axion works
Axion uses more than 160 specialized AI models, which Percepto trained on more than 100,000 hours of real-world autonomous inspection data gathered over more than a decade. The platform combines those models with asset context, historical trends and expert-backed workflows to turn raw inspection data into actionable findings.
Percepto offers Axion as a new software-as-a-service product. The platform organizes inspection data by asset and applies AI that interprets equipment condition in context. It ingests data from supported third-party drone platforms, fixed and mobile sensors and existing inspection archives. For example, it can identify a downed wire by its relationship to surrounding components, or evaluate a thermal anomaly against expected asset behavior and environmental conditions. Inspection history and expert validation back each finding.
In addition, operators can ask questions about their assets and inspection findings in plain language. Axion draws on data within the platform to return answers and recommendations, so teams can investigate issues and prioritize maintenance without assembling separate reports.
Operators can start with their existing inspection data and add Percepto’s autonomous systems and managed remote operations where they need more frequent coverage. In that model, Percepto’s Ranger drone portfolio and Harbor autonomous station collect fresh data for Axion.
New leadership and software-first strategy
Percepto has assembled a new leadership team to lead its software-first expansion. Chief executive Julien Bellanger heads the team, joined by chief revenue officer Kurt Nantkes and chief marketing officer Amir Khoshniyati. According to the company, the three executives bring experience across robotics, sensors, IoT, Physical AI and cybersecurity.
“The infrastructure powering our economy should benefit from the same advances in AI that are transforming the digital world,” said Bellanger. “Our vision is to provide operators with a trusted understanding of what is happening across their infrastructure, with the foresight to protect the people and operations that depend on it. Axion is the first step in this next chapter, opening our technology to more operators and putting their existing inspection investments to work toward that goal. From day one, a team can bring the inspection data it already has and see which assets need attention first.”
Separately, a leading U.S. energy company has awarded Percepto a multi-year contract to support its transmission line inspection program, extending a long-standing partnership. Under the agreement, Percepto will provide aerial data collection and AI-powered inspection analytics across the customer’s transmission network.
Founded in 2014, Percepto operates under a nationwide FAA beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) waiver. The company is also consolidating its engineering, manufacturing and assembly in the United States, alongside its existing U.S. remote operations.
Axion is available now. More information is available at Percepto.
