Show Explored How Unmanned And Autonomous Systems Are Reshaping The Landscape Of Military And Intelligence Security Operations

The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) hosted a successful unmanned systems event designed to convene military leadership, defense experts and the industry serving those markets. The Unmanned Systems—Defense. Protection. Security. (USDPS) show explored how unmanned and autonomous systems are reshaping the landscape of military and security operations and what that means for procurement, technology development and inter-agency collaboration. AUVSI USDPS took place on Aug. 20 to 21, 2019 at Marriott Wardman Park in Washington, D.C.

USDPS is designed to foster conversations between government representatives and industry. This year, several high-level speakers took the opportunity to announce major developments and initiatives. U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Ellen Lord announced an effort to bring small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) manufacturers together with investors to try to bolster the U.S. industrial base. Chris O’Donnell, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, Platform and Weapon Portfolio Management, OUSD A&S, said during his remarks that his department would work with AUVSI to develop counter-drone systems.

In addition to the keynote speakers, breakout sessions offered the opportunity to learn from decision-makers on critical issues, including Department of Defense acquisition, artificial intelligence and autonomy. And, for the first time at USDPS, AUVSI arranged roundtable luncheon discussions that provided a forum to make new connections, share ideas and gain valuable insights into what’s next for defense unmanned systems. During these interactive discussions, attendees took a deep-dive into industry issues, technology trends and service-specific program questions.

Blue Vigil, a company that makes tethered power systems for drones, took home the top prize in the second annual Innovation Challenge, a package worth $35,000.

(Source: AUVSI news release)

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