Illinois-Based Organizations Will Highlight Latest In Unmanned And Autonomous Technology At XPONENTIAL Show In Chicago

The Association for Unmanned Vehicles Systems International (AUVSI) will host its annual trade show XPONENTIAL 2019 on April 29 to May 2, at McCormick Place in Chicago. XPONENTIAL 2019, the largest trade show for the unmanned systems and robotics industry, will showcase more than 150 sessions of educational programming and 700 cutting-edge companies from around the world, including several Illinois-based companies using unmanned systems.

In recent years, interest in the various uses and applications of drones, robotics and other unmanned systems technologies in Illinois has taken off. Companies and institutions have been researching, testing and benefitting from the technology throughout the state. Across different industries, Illinois-based organizations are using unmanned systems to advance their businesses and operations.

Below are some of the organizations in Illinois using unmanned technology that will be featured at XPONENTIAL:

AUTONOMOUSTUFF

Based in Morton, AutonomouStuff is a leading supplier of R&D platforms, products, software and engineering services for the advancement of unmanned systems and robotics. The company services an international customer base, working with the automotive tool chain (OEMs, tier 1s, etc.), universities, military contractors, agriculture customers, mining OEMs, and startup companies.

COMMONWEALTH EDISON

In 2015, Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) became the first electric utility company to be authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration to operationally use UAS. As the largest electric utility in Illinois, servicing 70 percent of the state’s population, ComEd has said UAS help them to better perform assessments. UAS program manager Brian Cramer, who will be attending XPONENTIAL, says attending the show benefits ComEd because “[p]resentations about accomplishments over the last year are valuable. Information about new technology, hardware, and software is also really important to stay on top of things.”

DRAXXON

DRAXXON, based in McLeansboro, is a leading manufacturer of UAS Mobile Command Centers in a variety of designs for multiple applications such as public safety, oil and gas, energy providers and more. Their DX Series platforms bring a new level of situational awareness to any UAS operation.

EARTHSENSE

As a part of their revolutionary technology for the agricultural industry, Champaign-based EarthSense will demonstrate their TerraSentia agricultural robot driving autonomously through rows of corn plants. TerraSentia and its machine-vision algorithms deliver a unique, under-canopy data-set to farmers, agronomists and crop scientists. EarthSense will be participating in the Low-speed Ground Demo at XPONENTIAL.

FUTABA

Based in Schaumburg, Futaba has been a world leading manufacturer of Radio Control products since 1962. Since that time, Futaba has continuously expanded its product line-up, function, quality and performance. Today, Futaba offers a full range of high quality, standard and custom servo actuators and high-performance gas-powered engines for UAV/UAS applications.

LEWIS UNIVERSITY

Lewis University, based in Romeoville, operates the longest running aviation program in the state of Illinois. Since its founding in 1932, Lewis University has provided students with the education they need to work in up-and-coming fields, such as unmanned systems.

MICROLINK DEVICES, INC.

Headquartered in Niles, MicroLink Devices specializes in the production of advanced multi-junction solar cells and arrays for space, UAV and terrestrial use. Flexible solar sheets manufactured specifically for use on UAV and HALE platforms have industry-leading areal powers in excess of 350 W/m2 and specific powers of greater than 1300 W/kg - all in a packaged product.

VALQARI

Chicago-based, Valqari provides industry solutions with its patented Smart Drone Delivery Mailbox that provides a secure and convenient delivery receptacle for unmanned package deliveries. Their patented universal and agnostic drone receptacle will facilitate automated delivery and ensure a seamless integration and communication with any drone.

STATE FARM

Headquartered in Bloomington, State Farm is currently researching and testing how drones can be used for various insurance practices. The company’s RED Labs lead these efforts and look into other ways drone technology can benefit customers and help first responders. The insurance company became the first in the United States to receive a national waiver from the FAA that allows it to conduct UAS operations over people and flights beyond the pilot’s visual line of sight. Executive Mike Fields will have a speaking role at XPONENTIAL 2019.

(Source: AUVSI news release)

FMI: www.xponential.org