Open-Source code vs. Professional Autopilot systems: when reliability takes the lead

We love the freshness, lightness, and flexibility of an open-source code autopilot. But at the same time we strongly desire to have the reliability, stability and safety of a professional autopilot system with Enterprise-Grade software supported by experienced engineers, and which are capable of providing peace to our souls every time that our UAVs plough through the skies.

The ease of an open source code

Nowadays, the ease with which open-source autopilots can be used in the early stages of a UAV project is remarkable, as it allows a platform to take off quickly and with minimal initial effort or expertise. However, these solutions often come with significant limitations, they typically support only basic aircraft configurations and offer limited flight performance. When drone developers try to go further, they usually end up creating an in-house software department, which diverts focus from their core business, increases costs, and delays time to market, often leading to fragmented development efforts, challenges in maintaining software quality and compliance, difficulties in scaling the team efficiently, and long-term technical debt that can hinder future innovation and competitiveness.

In addition, open-source systems entail concrete risks: you rely on code whose origin or modifications may be unknown, with no formal verification process and no dedicated support team to ensure reliability or accountability.

The reliability of a Professional Autopilot

This is where a professional autopilot system stands apart, delivering the reliability and confidence that open-source alternatives often lack.

Behind these systems is a highly specialized and coordinated team, experts in Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC), embedded software, and control station applications, all working under unified processes and objectives. Every area follows established professional procedures and complies with demanding aeronautical standards and certifications such as DO-178, DO-254, and DO-160. This alignment ensures that every component, from software to hardware, contributes to a single shared vision: achieving consistent, certifiable performance and operational safety.

Unlike open-source developments, where each contributor may follow a different approach or vision, professional autopilot systems are designed under a coherent strategy that guarantees stability, maintainability, and long-term support. Their superior reliability, performance, and traceability provide the foundation for truly commercial-grade UAVs and eVTOLs.

And what if you could combine the flexibility of open-source solutions with the robustness and assurance of a certified professional system? The answer is clear: you would be flying on the winning side.

Veronte Autopilots: the definitive solution

This is what Embention offers you through its professional Veronte Autopilots, the best of both autopilot systems. A complete, comprehensive solution capable of joining only the virtues of both, discarding the rest.

Its flexibility allows the user to fully modify the autopilot performance, adapting the parameters and configurations to the system needs, while keeping the reliability and trustworthiness of a professional autopilot system.

The drone integrator can take control of, for example, the following performances with all guarantees, without modifying the source code:

• The Phases: configure different guidance and control loops for each stage of the flight.
• The Loops: customize control phases up to PID level, including: adaptive control, total energy control, gain scheduling and other strategies.
• Automations: configure automatic actions (go home, activate payload, output signal, change phase…) to occur on certain events (datalink loss, battery, altitude, waypoint…).
• Programs: introduce custom programs for flight control or managing other peripherals.

It even includes tools to integrate Custom Code. It permits to embed custom C++ code directly into the system to enable advanced behaviors, custom control strategies, or algorithms tailored to the platform’s specific needs.

The highest quality of the sensors, together with redundancy, makes Veronte Autopilots one of the most reliable and reputable autopilots in the world.

Backed by more than 18 years of experience and a team of over 160 dedicated professionals, Embention combines technical excellence with organizational maturity. As an EASA-approved company, Embention holds both APDOA (Alternative Procedures to Design Organization Approval) and POA (Production Organization Approval) certifications, ensuring the highest airworthiness and safety standards.

In addition, Embention provides comprehensive remote and on-site support, assisting integrators throughout every phase of their project. All systems are also covered by a civil liability insurance policy, offering additional assurance and confidence to customers operating in demanding professional environments.