Charlotte, N.C. – September 07, 2026 -- Lucid Bots has launched the Power Tether, a ground-powered continuous-power system for its Sherpa cleaning and spraying drone, eliminating the battery-swap interruptions that have long constrained commercial drone operations.
Fleet logs 8,760 cumulative flight hours across 600-plus drones
Telemetry data measured as of August 17 shows Lucid Bots' connected network of more than 600 Sherpa drones has accumulated over 8,760 flight hours, the equivalent of a full calendar year in the air. The figure aggregates activity across the fleet rather than reflecting a single continuous flight or exclusive Power Tether usage.
Ground station replaces battery packs as primary power source
The Power Tether's air module mounts directly into the Sherpa drone's battery bay, while a ground station connects to a compatible generator, shifting the primary power supply off the aircraft. Firmware monitors power draw in real time and alerts operators approaching operating limits, while onboard battery backup handles automatic landing if generator power is lost. The system installs in under 15 minutes on compatible Sherpa units.
Customers shift more than 90% of flight time to tether power
Among customers who have logged over an hour on the system, more than 90% of flight time now runs on tether power, with batteries covering the remaining 10%. In a continuous-flight test at Lucid Bots headquarters, a Power Tether-equipped Sherpa drone stayed airborne for eight hours and 48 seconds on a single generator connection without any battery swaps.
CEO says the tether ends the industry's battery debate
"Once customers try it, the data shows they don't go back to swapping packs," said Andrew Ashur, Founder and CEO of Lucid Bots. He added that the milestone reflects customers building real businesses rather than robotics remaining confined to promotional claims.
Target applications include facades, hotels and distribution centers
Lucid Bots positions the Power Tether for commercial building-maintenance jobs requiring extended flight sessions, including exterior facade cleaning, window washing, and work at hotels, institutional buildings and distribution centers. The company, based in Charlotte, N.C., has raised $34 million in funding, is backed by Y Combinator, and serves a network of 400-plus operators across more than 40 states and three continents. The Sherpa Drone is built in the U.S., with a distinct NDAA-compliant configuration available.