The business of autonomous and uncrewed technologies requires a comprehensive look at funding options, scalability, ROI, human resources and workflows, and other elements of operational planning across government and commercial sectors. Whether you are considering the adoption of uncrewed technologies into existing operations, or you are entering the industry as a new solution or service provider – these sessions should provide actionable insights into building the case and a plan for investment, while illustrating ROI within a realistic timeframe. Thes sessions will also inform learners of available funding and investment options, DoD acquisition, and regulatory hurdles that could cause delays and create barriers for business.

Keywords: Funding, investment, venture capital, accelerators, startups, illustrating ROI, DoD acquisition, triple bottom line, recruitment, the safety case, improved efficiencies, ESG, workforce development, education and training, ethics, public private partnerships, human-teaming and workflows, business/delivery model, market demand

Concerns about the security of autonomous vehicles and robotics must be at the forefront of industry and government conversations. Whether it is a cybersecurity benchmark, spoof proof solutions, data security measures, or the promotion of an open-source concept, topics should address the safety and security, as well as information assurance.

Keywords: security framework, network security, vulnerability assessment, CISA, data protection and privacy, cybersecurity standards, control and security systems, hardware and software malfunction, spoofing, testing, cybersecurity standards, supply chain security, tamper-proof AI, authority to operate (ATO), technical protection

In the design of autonomy, a strong foundation for data management and analytics is necessary. Whether it is the development of data standards, collection techniques, or processing and design for AI / ML, these discussions are paramount.

Keywords: Data management, data processing, data standards, data collection, data privacy, data storage, data science, data analysis, Policy/standards to realize this data plan, data taxonomy, data security, data sovereignty, Edge processing/computing

Autonomy creates new opportunities for industries, organizations, and governments alike. Many of the technologies can be used cross-domain and cross-sector, and understanding their applications and advantages helps to increase adoption by end users, thus leading to market growth and increased revenue. To better understand how organizations and governments are successfully implementing these technologies, sessions will include use cases and applications across industries and government sectors, case studies from international, state, and local stakeholders, and success stories.

Keywords: industry collaboration, research, technology adoption, supply chain and logistics, freight, shipping, delivery, warehouse, future mobility, urban air mobility, conservation / blue technology, drones as a service, inspections, mapping, surveying, security, reconnaissance missions, surveillance, reskilling, community outreach, media/communications, transparency / trust, use cases, defense applications/missions, AAM

To operationalize autonomy, we must develop a plan to turn abstract into reality. The key constructs that will allow for operationalization include establishment of infrastructure, both digital and physical, the transition from legacy systems, testing, certification, standards development, workforce and training, and identification of measurable and actionable outcomes.

Keywords: Testing and certification, digital infrastructure, physical infrastructure, charging stations, sky ports/vertiports, port cities, freight docks, UTM, legacy systems, DEI, training, human – machine teaming, human factors, skills gap, electrification, standards development, lessons learned, C-UAS, safety, risk management, logistics, command and control (C2)

For the safe and seamless integration of autonomy into society, industry and government stakeholders must work together to develop policies, processes, and frameworks to support the laws that govern these systems and their implementation. Topics will relate to federal, state, and local authorities and the evolving regulatory environment.

Keywords: Federal policy & regulations, state & local regulations, grassroot initiatives and content involving federal, state, and local agencies (FAA, NHTSA, NTSB, DOIT, IMO, NACo, State DOT, etc.), technical standards, security standards, certification, proof of concepts, demonstrations and experimental development, insurance and liability, trust, national security issues

*Please note that the Technical Research and Development category requires and Technical Research Paper to be shared with AUVSI

Technologies are rapidly evolving, and our community needs to share new research and breakthroughs that will propel the industry into the next phase. Topics can include, but are not limited to, computer vision, uncrewed machine interface, sensor capabilities, path planning, software that supports mobility and enhances hardware, and hardware that is reliable and creates new opportunities for improved operations and seamless integration.

Keywords: R&D, AI / ML, ethics, vehicle, hardware, software, sensors, propulsion, batteries, blockchain, communication tech / 5G, design standards, design principles, testing and evaluation, manufacturing materials and processes, human-centered design, C-UAS, payload, mission capability, perception, verification and validation (V & V), prototyping, common control, integration