FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONOVER, N.C. — Control Technologies, LLC proudly announces its participation in the 2026 Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Lift Challenge, held in August at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio. The competition brought together 112 teams from around the world to showcase breakthrough technologies.
Selected from a field of more than 400 applicants, Control Technologies earned its place among a diverse group of innovators, universities, aerospace companies, and engineering teams working to advance the future of unmanned aerial systems.
Throughout the challenge, the Control Technologies team demonstrated its expertise in engineering design, controls integration, advanced manufacturing, and systems development. Participation in the competition provided a valuable platform to test innovative concepts, gather real-world performance data, and work together with some of the most forward-thinking organizations in aerospace and defense technology.
“Participating in the DARPA Lift Challenge was an extraordinary opportunity for our team,” said Wes Lampkin, President of Control Technologies, LLC. “The event showcased the creativity and determination of innovators from across the globe. We are proud of our team’s efforts and the technical achievements demonstrated throughout the competition. The knowledge and experience gained through this process will help drive future innovations across our business.”
The DARPA Lift Challenge was established to encourage the development of aircraft capable of achieving unprecedented payload-to-weight ratios, with the goal of creating transformative solutions for military, commercial, logistics, infrastructure, and emergency response applications. The event set new benchmarks for vertical-lift aviation and highlighted emerging technologies that could shape the future of aerial transportation and cargo movement.
Control Technologies views its participation as an important milestone in the company’s continued commitment to innovation and advanced technology development. The challenge further strengthened the organization’s capabilities in aerospace systems, automation, controls engineering, and rapid technology deployment.
As Control Technologies continues to expand its engineering and technology portfolio, the company remains focused on developing practical, innovative solutions that address complex operational challenges for customers in industrial, aerospace, defense, and emerging technology markets. Control Technologies reinforced its ability to rapidly prototype, evaluate performance, incorporate lessons learned, and quickly iterate new designs, enabling the company to respond efficiently to evolving customer requirements and complex technical challenges while accelerating the development of innovative solutions across multiple industries.
About Control Technologies, LLC
Control Technologies, LLC, headquartered in Conover, North Carolina, is a leading provider of industrial automation, systems integration, machine design and build, electrical contracting, field services, and advanced engineering solutions. The company serves customers across a wide range of industries by delivering innovative technologies that improve productivity, efficiency, and operational performance.
Media Contact
Control Technologies, LLC
Conover, NC
www.controltechnologiesllc.com
Phone: 828.994.4870 x2505
Email: daniel.crouse@controltechnologiesllc.com