As more unmanned aerial systems (UAS) enter the airspace and take on increasingly advanced operations, concerns about preserving spectrum and improving coordination have also grown. During today’s XPONENTIAL 2021 breakout sessions, attendees heard insights on spectrum policy from a panel of experts, including representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the unmanned systems industry.
Panelists’ comments made clear that the use of spectrum by drone operators touches on all three pillars of assured autonomy: prioritizing system safety, supporting sound public policy, and enabling the seamless integration of unmanned systems.
Policy
Policy
DOT's Robert Hampshire Discusses Assured Autonomy
The virtual segment of AUVSI’s annual XPONENTIAL event, the world’s largest conference focused on the unmanned systems industry, launched today with a keynote address by Robert Hampshire, PhD. As Deputy Assistant Secretary and Chief Science Officer at the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Dr. Hampshire possesses deep expertise in both public policy and engineering systems. His research has focused on infrastructure issues around environmental impacts and equal access to opportunities. In his remarks, Dr. Hampshire shared DOT’s priorities under the new Administration for the years ahead and how unmanned systems fit into those priorities.
Avigation Easements Will Hurt Drone Operations, Say CTA and AUVSI
Media Contact: Jackie Beckwith, jbeckwith@auvsi.org
For Immediate Release: April 26, 2021
Successfully Educating CA Lawmakers About UAS Technology
One of AUVSI’s guiding advocacy pillars is to support the opening of markets, reduction of barriers, and injection of more certainty and predictability into Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) operations and marketplace. AUVSI has been in close contact with key California lawmakers and stakeholders about AB 1292, and we are pleased that the bill has been shelved with no consideration this year.
Unmanned Systems Defense Phase I: Ground
Today, AUVSI hosted Day Three of the 2021 Unmanned Systems Defense (USD) Conference with a focus on technologies and systems within the ground domain. During the keynote address and panel discussion, attendees learned about key capabilities DOD will seek out in new systems and heard from private sector stakeholders about how emerging technologies can meet needs in both the commercial market and the defense and military ecosystem.
MG Ross Coffman, Director, Next Generation Combat Vehicle - Cross Functional Team, expressed his appreciation in his keynote address for the way the unmanned industry collaborates and learns from each other. He urged the industry to work together to solve cross-functional challenges: “Together, we can solve really complex problems.”
UNMANNED SYSTEMS DEFENSE PHASE I: AIR
AUVSI today hosted Day Two of the 2021 Unmanned Systems Defense (USD) Conference with a focus on systems and technologies within the air domain. Attendees heard insights from Christopher C. O’Donnell, Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Acquisition; Major Ryan Greenawalt, Future Unmanned Aircraft System Integrator, Future Vertical Lift Cross Functional Team; and Rear Admiral Brian Corey, Program Executive Officer for Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons.
Congratulations, Deputy Secretary Trottenberg!
Earlier this week, Polly Trottenberg was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).
Dep. Sec. Trottenberg is known as a veteran transportation official.
Unmanned Systems Defense Phase I: Maritime
Today, AUVSI launched the first of three phases of the 2021 Unmanned Systems Defense (USD) Conference. This annual event brings together a wide range of stakeholders with expertise across the defense segment of the unmanned industry, including senior officials at the Department of Defense (DOD), program managers at federal security agencies, and industry executives with deep expertise on these issues.
FL Sen. Jeff Brandes Continuing to Lead on AV
In late February, Florida State Senator Jeff Brandes (R-FL-24) introduced a bill authorizing the operation of low-speed autonomous vehicles (AV) on certain streets and roads. Long a champion of AV innovation and adoption, AUVSI commends Sen. Brandes for continuing to push these issues forward and establish Florida as a leader of autonomous technology.
Congressional Hearing on the Administration’s Priorities for Transportation Infrastructure
This week, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure held a hearing with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Pete Buttigieg to understand the Biden Administration’s priorities on infrastructure. Major topics included the current and forecasted regulatory regime, how to effectively engage industry, and steps the federal government should take to continue fostering innovation.