HARTFORD, CT—Aquiline Drones plans to ramp up production of commercial unmanned aerial systems at its factory here.

New technology is often a paradox—offering increased capability but at great expense with a long ROI.

DENVER—Autonomous Avionics has opened a new assembly plant here to make small unmanned aerial vehicles.

WASHINGTON—Some 37 states have applied to the Federal Aviation Administration to become one of six test hubs for commercial unmanned aerial vehicles.