AUVSI — Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International

As was discussed last week at AUVSI Defense, Part III—Autonomy in Action, the U.S. defense sector is increasingly focused on integrating autonomous and uncrewed technologies to maintain a competitive edge. What we're up to: We recently submitted testimony responding to Congressional hearings and have emphasized the urgency to close the “say-do gap” in defense technology integration and pivot the Department of Defense’s acquisition processes to focus on outcomes. What's next: The U.S’s advantage is that we boast strong capital markets and a culture of innovation. What is needed is a demand signal for private capital to invest in building the industrial base that is needed now, and that will be required in the immediate future—and AUVSI is moving toward this point of friction. More from Michael Robbins in Inside Unmanned Systems → https://lnkd.in/eXKmGetH

The transatlantic partnership is of enormous importance on very different levels. Dialogue and networking between Europe and the United States of America are also important with regard to commercial #UAS/ #eVTOL use in order to work together to create optimal framework conditions for the UAS/ #AAM industry and establish recognized technological and regulatory standards. Topics such as these are therefore part of the intensive exchange within the framework of our partnership with the AUVSI — Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International.   At a personal meeting at the AUVSI premises in Washington D.C., the preparations for EUROPEAN DRONE FORUM (February 17-18, 2025) and XPONENTIAL Europe (February 18-20, 2025) in Düsseldorf were of course a major topic of discussion between Michael Robbins (President & CEO AUVSI), Dr. Gerald Wissel (CEO UAV DACH) and Malte Seifert - MBA (Messe Düsseldorf, Director XPONENTIAL Europe). Other important aspects for the future development of the UAS/AAM industry on both sides of the Atlantic were also discussed.   For example, how concepts and formats could be jointly developed to attract investors to the drone economy. This is because many companies in both the USA and Europe face the challenge of convincing investors of their ideas and products. However, without the necessary capital, many business models cannot be implemented and innovative technologies cannot be brought to market readiness.     No less important are reliable industry standards in the areas of qualification and certification of specialists as well as issues relating to cybersecurity and data security. Last but not least, there was a common understanding that AUVSI and UAV DACH want to engage in a close exchange with a view to future debates and initiatives at the level of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and seek common positions in order to achieve progress in the interests of the respective member companies and the global UAS/AAM industry.

Beautiful day at Capitol Hill along with my AUVSI Defense Advocacy Committee leadership vice chairs Joe Bartlett and Matthew Dooley, MMAS, and AUVSI VP for Gov Affairs Michael Smitsky, Esq. We met with the staffs of Sen. Schatz (D-HI), Rep. McCollum (D-MN), and Rep. Calvert (R-CA) all part of defense appropriations.  Key talking points included:    - Support for Replicator  - The importance of Multi-Domain Operations in service strategies but the disconnect between those strategies and their budgets  - Increase opportunities to share autonomous data and production plans with our allies and partners to support increases production  - An open and competitive acquisition approach to Software for Army Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) - Criticality of the Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) Program  - The challenges of scaling UxS production and the associated need for long term buys required to allow industry to deliver.    #autonomy; #AUVSI; #innovation 

Just announced at AUVSI Defense: We’re thrilled to announce the launch of the Uncrewed Maritime Systems (UMS) Training & Certification Committee, marking an important expansion of our Trusted Operator Program into the maritime sector!       In his session at AUVSI Defense, Co-Chair of the newly formed committee, Mike Smitsky, shared how this initiative will work to collaborate on and introduce new, rigorous standards that ensure UMS operators are effectively and consistently trained in maritime applications of uncrewed systems. This comprehensive approach will enhance safety and efficiency in maritime missions—paving the way for more advanced, integrated uncrewed systems.      Dive into the full story here: https://lnkd.in/eGbdmDp6  Visit our webpage: https://lnkd.in/ewG5UKNg     Jason McKenna Michael Smitsky, Esq. Casie Ocaña    #AUVSIDefense #UMS #MaritimeInnovation #TrustedOperator   

Kicking off AUVSI Defense this morning with powerful insights from our President & CEO, Michael Robbins.   As we come together to discuss the transformative potential of uncrewed systems in national security and defense, our mission remains clear: building an Uncrewed Arsenal for Democracy.   Here’s to two days of collaboration and innovation! 💪 #AUVSIDefense #DefenseInnovation Thank you to our sponsors for their support and to MITRE Corporation for hosting us. Together, we’re making strides for the warfighter. AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. Booz Allen Hamilton Domo Tactical Communications (DTC) Elsight - UAV & UGV Connection Confidence Fotokite National Advanced Mobility Consortium (NAMC) Neya Systems Red Cat Holdings Sentrycs | Counter-Drone Solutions Adapting at the Speed of Threats Sikorsky Shield AI Skydio XTEND ProximaVision.

Kicking off AUVSI Defense this morning with powerful insights from our President & CEO, Michael Robbins.   As we come together to discuss the transformative potential of uncrewed systems in national security and defense, our mission remains clear: building an Uncrewed Arsenal for Democracy.   Here’s to two days of collaboration and innovation! 💪 #AUVSIDefense #DefenseInnovation Thank you to our sponsors for their support and to MITRE Corporation for hosting us. Together, we’re making strides for the warfighter. AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. Booz Allen Hamilton Domo Tactical Communications (DTC) Elsight - UAV & UGV Connection Confidence Fotokite National Advanced Mobility Consortium (NAMC) Neya Systems Red Cat Holdings Sentrycs | Counter-Drone Solutions Adapting at the Speed of Threats Sikorsky Shield AI Skydio XTEND ProximaVision.

AUVSI — Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International Commends Federal Aviation Administration Progress Toward eVTOL Operations Moments ago, the FAA issued the final version of its Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) for powered lift aircraft operations. This rule is a critical step forward in enabling the electric vertical take-off & landing (eVTOL) segment of the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry to launch & scale, and we applaud the FAA for issuing the regulation in compliance with Congressionally mandated timelines and making changes from the draft rule to the final rule that ensure the U.S. will maintain global leadership in this critical segment of advanced aviation. This is a tremendous milestone, and there is much to celebrate with this rule. Looking ahead, it is imperative that FAA and the AAM industry work in lockstep to apply lessons learned from operations unlocked under the SFAR to inform long-term rulemaking that enables the integration of safe and routine AAM operations in the airspace. We can’t yet consider this ‘mission accomplished’ for U.S. leadership in advanced aviation – much work remains to be done. AUVSI stands ready to work closely with the FAA to ensure the fullest benefits of eVTOL and other AAM aircraft can be realized — including decreased emissions and noise pollution and increased access to multi-modal transport hubs and connectivity for rural communities. Read AUVSI’s full press release here featuring quotes from AUVSI member companies Joby Aviation, BETA TECHNOLOGIES, & Archer: https://lnkd.in/gWfVnzJx

I joined with Lisa Ellman to co-author an op-ed on the importance of the Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) rulemaking moving forward with the publication of the draft rule. As we note, the rapid expansion of drone technology in sectors such as public safety, agriculture, infrastructure inspection, and delivery services has the potential to transform key areas of the economy and provide significant societal benefit, as we have witnessed most recently in the hurricane response efforts. Yet, there is a looming challenge that could slow this progress: the bureaucratic delay in proposing a rule to facilitate BVLOS drone operations. Safely enabling drones to fly beyond the direct visual line of sight of the operator facilitates more complex and cost-effective applications covering a greater distance and reaching a broader community. Issuing this proposed rule this year is critical for the growth and success of this budding industry in the United States. AUVSI — Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International & the Commercial Drone Alliance are working together to ensure this draft rule moves forward. The time to act is now. We call on federal agencies including the U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration, as well as the The White House, to stay on course and deliver the draft BVLOS rule by the end of the year. Read more here in It's Past Time to Move Drone Rulemaking Forward - Inside Unmanned Systems: https://lnkd.in/eiVJPgAy Max Rosen Scott Shtofman Michael Smitsky, Esq. Anna Dietrich Chelsie "CJ" Jeppson Gretchen West Arjun Garg Matthew Clark

New in our work to verify and support for secure drone solutions: We've added 4 new products to the Green UAS component cleared list. This follows the recent certification of a new UAS platform as Green, which also assessed the platform’s included components. What’s next: Through our data-sharing agreement with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), we have sent the certification results to them directly for further review and consideration for inclusion in the Blue UAS Framework. Why it matters: Our component assessment and certification aim to streamline cybersecurity and supply chain security reviews for component manufacturers and provide greater optionality to the industrial base and end users. Casie Ocaña

Proud to be a leader in the UAS industry and see our member companies & broader community coming together with government agencies, public safety officials, volunteers, and energy, cellular, and utility companies to serve communities in disaster response in the wake of Hurricane Helene and preparing to respond to Hurricane Milton. Drones are being leveraged throughout the southeast to support critical #hurricane response missions including but not limited to search and rescue, transporting materials & delivering food/medicine, assessing damage to road & bridge infrastructure, identifying damaged utilities & helping to restoring power, and providing cellular & data communications. Drones are keeping response teams out of harm’s way and enabling them to make informed decisions when every minute counts. To everyone in the #drone, utility, & public safety communities involved in these collective efforts, thank you. AUVSI — Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International has been in communication with government agencies who are eager to support #dronesforgood and speeding approvals for critical operations and directing resources to where they are needed most. We are very proud that AUVSI’s members are actively helping to save lives. Please reach out to highlight any opportunities for our industry to get involved in response and recovery. NCDOT Division of Aviation Becca Gallas, PE Southern Company Georgia Power Company AT&T Verizon Frontline Skydio Censys Technologies Corporation Airborne International Response Team (AIRT) Axon Skyfire | AI BRINC Florida Power & Light