From Greenland to Goodwood — high-speed drones head for FOS Future Lab

Marble, based in Chippenham, Wiltshire, designs and operates its entire system of aircraft, sensors, and software in-house. Its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) drones, optimised for speed over endurance, cover vast areas at costs ten times lower than satellites. “By deploying large constellations of these drones, we aim to achieve a cost per square kilometre of operation that is several orders of magnitude lower than existing solutions,” says CEO Mathieu Johnsson, a former Airbus engineer. 

The MRB5, a VTOL lift-and-cruise design with four lift rotors and a pusher propeller, is tailored for maritime monitoring and environmental tasks like tracking ice melt. Its 3D-printed glass-filled resin airframe, while lightweight, is evolving toward metallic 3D printing for enhanced durability, and visitors to FOS Future Lab presented by Randox will get to explore this firsthand. 

Marble’s drones are being deployed in Greenland’s Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, capturing high-resolution data on glacial retreat and sea level rise. This real-time monitoring aids climate scientists, offering a cost-effective alternative to satellites. 

Founded by Johnsson in 2015 after leaving Airbus’ “future projects” department, Marble has developed five aircraft models, with some undergoing over 25 iterations. FOS Future Lab showcases the MRB1 and MRB4, tracing Marble’s journey, and four MRB5 iterations, highlighting advancements in sensors and aerodynamics. 

With 18 aircraft built in two years and six more MRB5 units planned in the next four months, Marble is scaling for global demand. “The MRB5 is quite different to anything on the market,” adds Johnsson.

‘Mobility for humanity’ is one of the four themes of the 2025 FOS Future Lab, where UAVs from the likes of Marble and Certo Aerospace meet with hydrogen racing cars and hands-on STEM challenges from the Atlassian Williams Racing Formula 1 team. Marble’s presence will tap into the fascination with autonomous systems and also aligns with the push to integrate drones into UK airspace by 2027.

“Our goal is to make planetary monitoring accessible and affordable, transforming how we tackle global challenges like climate change,” says Johnsson. The Greenland project, supported by climate scientists, underscores this mission. The drones are compact enough to be stored in aircraft hold luggage and deployed immediately once they reach their destination.

As well as working with coastguards, maritime police and governments, Marble can count on a retired First Sea Lord and the head of research at a leading AI lab as advisors. With the new head of MI6 plucked straight from James Bond’s ‘Q’ gadget section, and the new head of Britain’s armed forces a Royal Air Force engineer, you might just find drones like the MRB5 being used for other important missions in future.

Randox is a global leader in diagnostics, revolutionising patient outcomes through innovative technologies, including its patented biochip technology. This pioneering diagnostic platform allows for the simultaneous detection of multiple biomarkers from a single sample, delivering faster, more accurate, and comprehensive results. Operating in over 145 countries, Randox develops advanced laboratory instruments, high-quality reagents, and innovative testing solutions to improve global healthcare.

Randox Health brings this cutting-edge technology directly to individuals, offering bespoke, preventative health testing programs. With world-class laboratories and personalised health insights, Randox Health enables early detection of a wide range of conditions, helping individuals take control of their health.

Together, Randox and Randox Health are redefining diagnostics and preventative healthcare. For more information, visit www.randox.com and www.randoxhealth.com.

The 2025 Festival of Speed takes place on 10^th-13^th July. While admission tickets have now sold out, you can still join us with our range of hospitality experiences that are still available.