Will Highlight Emerging Unmanned And Robotic Vehicle Systems, Including Drones

Highlighting Jacksonville’s growing investment in autonomous transportation technology, the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) is launching a local chapter that is focused on unmanned and robotic vehicle systems, such as drones, driverless cars, and unmanned boats and submarines.
 

The AUVSI Jacksonville Satellite Chapter’s kickoff event is scheduled for July 5 at 6:00 p.m. EDT. It will be held at The Fire Academy of the South (FSCJ) in Jacksonville.
 
"Jacksonville’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and its location on the St. Johns River makes it ideally suited for collaboration between air, sea, and ground automation interests,” said Brian Wynne, president and CEO of AUVSI. “Another important reason for starting a chapter in Jacksonville is the ongoing federal investment in cutting edge technology at Naval Station Mayport and Naval Air Station Jacksonville, which is creating opportunities for public-private partnerships."
 
The Jacksonville Satellite Chapter, which will be part of AUVSI’s long-established Florida Peninsula Chapter, will build awareness and dialogue about unmanned systems among the region’s defense, civil, commercial, academic, and government sectors. The satellite chapter will also support an initiative with military officials and companies to help facilitate the continued use of unmanned systems and robotics technology to support the defense operations that are based in the community.
 
“The formation of a satellite chapter on the First Coast is very timely and exciting considering the influx of high-tech companies to the area,” says Brent Klavon, a Jacksonville resident who is the president of AUVSI’s Florida Peninsula Chapter and a member of AUVSI’s board of directors. “AUVSI will help establish direct communication with key stakeholders at the local level. We also enthusiastically support the City of Jacksonville’s efforts to develop automated public transit and explore innovative uses of it, such as the downtown Skyway.”
 
David Meyers, a UAS industry executive, will lead the new satellite chapter. Meyers, who will serve as interim director, will engage local and regional companies, entrepreneurs, government agencies, and academic institutions to capitalize on the momentum for unmanned systems that is already building throughout the region.
 
“After my first $30 drone to my very first professional UAS, I have been enamored with the capabilities of autonomous systems and robotics,” Meyers says. “As the industry continues to grow along with the capabilities of artificial intelligence and the exponential growth of robotic solutions, I am humbled and honored to educate my home city, Jacksonville, Florida, about this exciting technology and help lead it to become a center for the industry.”

(Source: AUVSI news release)

FMI: www.AUVSIJax.org