Nominations Now Open To Honor Innovators Advancing Unmanned Systems Technology, Promoting Safe Operations And Improving The Human Condition

The Association for Unmanned Vehicles Systems International (AUVSI) has opened the call for entries for the second annual AUVSI XCELLENCE Awards. Six new categories have been added to the program to reflect the areas in which unmanned systems technology and solutions are emerging. DJI will again sponsor the Humanitarian Award.

“Once again, the XCELLENCE Awards will recognize the innovators who are poised to transform our economy, lifestyle and society,” said Brian Wynne, president and CEO of AUVSI. “We look forward to seeing the entries and getting a glimpse of what the future of unmanned systems holds.”

The AUVSI XCELLENCE Awards will honor innovators with a demonstrated commitment to advancing technology, leading and promoting safe operations, and developing programs that use unmanned systems to improve the human condition. Entries are now being accepted in the following categories:

TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION

• Commercial/Enterprise Operation
• Communication or Data Connection Solutions
• Detect & Avoid Solutions
• Fleet Management Software & Solutions
• Power Solutions
• Safety Solutions
• UAS Mitigation & Security
• Vision/Camera Systems & Components
• XCELLENCE in Innovation

TRAINING & EDUCATION

• Training & Education Organization
• Training & Education Professional

OPERATIONS & SAFETY

• Operations & Safety Organization
• Operations & Safety Professional

AUVSI is also seeking submissions for the Humanitarian Award, which is sponsored by DJI, the world’s leader in civilian drones and aerial imaging technology. The award will recognize five organizations and/or individuals that have made a significant impact using unmanned systems to serve in humanitarian or philanthropic efforts. Recipients of the Humanitarian Award will receive a $25,000 donation divided among their organizations.

“We are proud to partner with AUVSI on bringing the second round of the Humanitarian Awards as it provides a global platform to recognize and reward those at the forefront of harnessing drone technology’s immense value in serving the greater good,” said Mario Rebello, Vice President and Country Manager, North America, at DJI. “If these awards inspire one more person to use his or her drone to support a humanitarian cause, save a life or aid in environmental research, that in itself is certainly worth a celebration – and celebrating is exactly what we’ll be doing when we showcase the winners at XPONENTIAL 2019 later this year.”

The winners in the Technology Innovation, Training and Education, and Operations and Safety categories will be announced at XPONENTIAL 2019 in Chicago on Tuesday, April 30 at 11:30 a.m. CDT at the Solutions Theater in the exhibit hall.

Recipients of the Humanitarian Award will be announced on Thursday, May 2 at 9:00 a.m. CDT during the keynote presentation in the Grand Ballroom.

(Source: AUVSI news release)

FMI: www.auvsi.org, xponential.org