Event to highlight research & innovations in Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Texas UAS Summit and Expo, set for May 9-10 at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center in Dallas, will offer a comprehensive look at unmanned aerial systems and how the Lone Star State is shaping the industry. The summit will focus on cutting-edge research and innovations, commercial operations and end-user training and other opportunities in Texas and the region.   

Sponsored by the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) and the Lone Star UAS Center of Excellence & Innovation at Texas A&M—Corpus Christi, this year’s summit is co-located and fully integrated with the AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2017 Educational Program, which draws a global community of leaders in drones, intelligent robotics and unmanned systems.   

The UAS Summit will bring together key Texas legislators and congressional leaders, commercial UAS manufacturers and operators, the law enforcement and first responder communities, as well as UAS experts from the FAA, NASA, academia and the transportation, agriculture, and oil & gas industries.   

Keynote speakers include Robert Kolasky of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security; CEO of the Association of Unmanned Vehicles Systems International Brian Wynne; Kevin Solco with the Federal Aviation Administration Southwest Region;  Davis Hackenberg with NASA; Executive Director of the Texas A&M Transportation Institute Gregory Winfree; and Marc Moffatt, Director General of the UAS Center of Excellence in Quebec.  

The state of Texas has emerged as a breeding ground for current UAS activity as the industry continues to reach new commercial and operational heights, said Steve Williams, Director of Operations and Strategic Development with the Integrative Center for Homeland Security at TEEX and the National sUAS Credentialing Program. Energized by the Lone Star UAS Center of Excellence FAA test site, unprecedented UAS end-user opportunities, and the support of commercial, private and state-based entities, Texas has established itself as a leader in all things UAS. The event will showcase the latest and most successful efforts by state entities and private firms operating UAS in Texas.  

Expected attendees include commercial manufacturers and operators, researchers, payload providers, platform designers, Certificate of Waiver or Certification/PART 107 entities and multiple leaders spearheading UAS expansion in Texas and beyond.   

“We’re excited about the opportunity to sponsor this national event showcasing UAS training, research, and innovations taking place in Texas and The Texas A&M University System,” said TEEX Director and CEO Gary Sera. “We’re pleased to play a role in credentialing UAS service providers and promoting the safety of UAV operation in the state and nation.”