Allen Control Systems (ACS) is a robotics defense company headquartered in Austin, Texas, specializing in the development of autonomous weapon systems designed to counter the rapidly growing threat of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) on the modern battlefield. ACS’s mission is to deliver advanced robotic capabilities that modernize defense operations, enhance battlefield effectiveness, and lower the cost per kill of drones by transforming existing weaponry into precision, AI-powered systems. The company’s flagship product, Bullfrog™, is an autonomous robotic weapon station that leverages artificial intelligence, computer vision, and proprietary control systems to upgrade both legacy and modern weapons, enabling unmatched targeting accuracy and operational efficiency for U.S. and allied forces.
Leadership
Steven Simoni – Co-founder and CEO. Simoni is a U.S. Navy veteran and former nuclear submarine engineer with a background in building technology startups, including a previous venture acquired by DoorDash. He is also the host of “The Drone Ultimatum” defense technology podcast.
Luke Allen – Co-founder and CTO. Allen is the namesake of the company and the principal architect behind ACS’s autonomous weapon station technology. He is also a Navy veteran and has a deep technical background in robotics and control systems.
Brice Cooper – Chief Strategy Officer. Cooper is a former head of U.S. Special Operations Command’s counter-drone and counterproliferation programs, a Department of Defense acquisition expert, and a 25-year Army and special operations veteran.
Core Technologies
Bullfrog™ Autonomous Weapon Station: The core product, Bullfrog, transforms existing machine guns and other weapon systems into precision-targeting, autonomous platforms capable of detecting, tracking, and neutralizing drone threats. It integrates:
Artificial intelligence and machine learning for autonomous decision-making and real-time threat response.
Computer vision for 360-degree detection and identification of aerial threats.
Proprietary control systems and custom hardware (motor controllers, motherboards) for precise targeting and engagement.
Training Data Generation: ACS develops high-quality 3D models and photorealistic environments to train its AI algorithms, ensuring robust performance in diverse operational scenarios.
Modular Integration: The Bullfrog system is designed for compatibility with both legacy and modern weapons, supporting integration with existing command and control (C2) interfaces to minimize operator training and maximize battlefield flexibility.
Key Capabilities
Autonomous detection, tracking, and engagement of drone threats.
Upgrades legacy weapons with AI-driven precision targeting.
Low-cost, low Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) solution for counter-drone defense.
Scalable systems, including portable (Mini Bullfrog), vehicle-mounted, and larger-caliber versions (e.g., 50 Cal, 30mm chain gun) for a range of military applications.
Real-time integration with battlefield command systems and industry-standard user interfaces.
Investors
Craft Ventures: Led the $30 million Series A funding round in March 2025.
Inspired Capital: Participated in the Series A and previous funding rounds.
Rally Ventures: Participated in the Series A and previous funding rounds.
The company is privately held, with a total known investment of $30 million as of March 2025. Valuation details have not been publicly disclosed.
Notable Clients
U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and allied military organizations are primary customers, with Bullfrog systems being fielded for evaluation and deployment in both U.S. and international defense contexts.
ACS is actively engaged with vehicle manufacturers and defense integrators to embed its autonomous weapon systems in next-generation combat vehicles and other military platforms.
The company is participating in high-profile defense demonstrations, such as the JCO Counter-UxS demonstration and Manifest: Demo Day 2025, showcasing its technology to acquisition leaders and warfighters.
