FCC Revokes Equipment Authorizations for Odyssey Robot
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has revoked the equipment authorizations for a drone and remote controller manufactured by Odyssey Robot LLC. The agency found that the company made false statements regarding the production of the equipment and its compliance with FCC Covered List regulations.
Details of the Revocation
The revocation, effective as of August 11, applies to the following FCC IDs:
- 2BSYT-FMAWZOD – Uncrewed Aircraft System
- 2BSYT-YMAWZOD – Remote Controller
This decision highlights the FCC’s enforcement of restrictions on foreign-produced drones and critical components.
Investigation Findings
Claims of U.S. Production Scrutinized
On December 22, 2025, the FCC added foreign-produced Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) and critical components to its Covered List. Equipment on this list is ineligible for FCC equipment authorization, and applicants must certify that their equipment is not covered.
Odyssey received FCC certifications for its drone and controller on April 20, 2026, claiming that the products were not covered equipment. In supporting documentation, the company asserted that the drone was developed, designed, and manufactured in California and assembled in Texas by eTak Worldwide Corporation, stating that this information was accurate to the best of their knowledge.
These claims became a focal point of the FCC’s investigation following allegations from security researcher Konrad Iturbe on June 5 that Odyssey had made materially false statements. The FCC Enforcement Bureau subsequently issued a Letter of Inquiry to Odyssey, requesting samples and information about its business practices.
Odyssey did not respond to the initial inquiry or a follow-up deficiency letter from the FCC.
eTak’s Denial of Association
The FCC reached out to eTak, the Texas company identified by Odyssey as the assembler of its devices. On July 13, eTak denied any business or financial relationship with Odyssey and stated that it had not performed any assembly work for the company.
eTak informed the FCC that it had no affiliation or contractual relationship with Odyssey Robot LLC.
On July 21, the FCC issued an Order to Show Cause, giving Odyssey ten days to explain why its authorizations should not be revoked. Odyssey did not respond, leading the FCC to conclude that the drone and controller were foreign-produced covered equipment that had been improperly authorized.
Implications of the Revocation
The August 11 order revokes the equipment authorizations immediately. As a result, the affected drone and remote controller cannot be legally marketed in the United States under those certifications. The FCC’s rules define marketing broadly, encompassing selling, leasing, offering, advertising, importing, shipping, or distributing the devices.
The order does not require existing owners to cease operation of the equipment, nor does it impose any monetary penalties or additional enforcement actions against Odyssey.
This decision occurs amid ongoing FCC investigations into other drone companies and equipment potentially subject to Covered List restrictions. In July, the FCC proposed fines against eight companies for failing to respond to inquiries related to compliance with equipment authorization and Covered List requirements. These proceedings are separate from the Odyssey case.
The Odyssey decision illustrates the potential outcomes of FCC investigations, particularly when false statements are made regarding equipment authorization.