ModalAI (USA) ModalAI Starling 2 / 2 Max (1)

From $3,199.99Starling 2 Max configurations run $3,199.99–$5,799.99 on modalai.com (September 2026); the smaller Starling 2 no longer has its own product listing.

AvailablePython from a laptopGPS-deniedVOXL 2PX4 + ROS 2Up to 55 min (Max)

Possibly ≤ 1 weekShipping: Varies. Sold directly by ModalAI in the US (listed as available in September 2026); lead times vary. ModalAI ↗

Remote control: SSH into the VOXL 2 over Wi-Fi, run ROS 2 or MAVSDK code onboard or from a laptop.

ModalAI Starling 2 Max ↗VOXL docs ↗

Overview

A compact, US-made (NDAA/Blue UAS lineage) development drone that holds position indoors with visual-inertial odometry. It's one of the few off-the-shelf platforms for indoor autonomy research above Crazyflie scale. Pricey, but everything is exposed.

Specifications

Category	Drones · Autonomous & developer drones
Released	2024
Availability	Available
Programmability	Open source (hardware + software)
Best for	Professionals & labs
Vision sensors	Camera, Depth camera
Actuators	Brushless / direct-drive motors
Audio	No audio
Compute type	Qualcomm
Remote control	Python from a laptop
Size	512 mm prop-to-prop diagonal, 566 g take-off weight, 500 g payload (Starling 2 Max)
Drive	Quadcopter
Compute	VOXL 2 (Qualcomm QRB5165) running PX4 onboard + Linux
Vision	Dual fisheye tracking cameras (VIO), dual IMX412 color cameras, optional ToF and FLIR Lepton
Lidar	Optional ToF depth sensor
Sensors	IMU, barometer, VIO, optional GNSS
Runtime	About 55 min with Amprius cells, about 40 min with Li-ion (Starling 2 Max)
Speed	15 m/s cruise, 20 m/s dash (Starling 2 Max)
SDK	VOXL SDK, PX4, ROS 2, MAVSDK