“2023 Drone Expo: A Preview of the Latest Innovations in Aerial Technology”

The drone industry has experienced significant growth over the past five years, with Chinese manufacturer DJI’s market ownership declining in the US and drone delivery redefining logistics in some parts of the world. The Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International’s Xponential event has become an industry benchmark for new technologies, innovations, regulatory change, and community collaboration. As the event approaches, there are several questions we hope will be answered to signal a real maturity in the industry. One of these is the impact of proposed legislation on regulation, which seeks to simplify the Specific Operational Risk Assessment methodology and create a new position within the FAA for UAS integration. We also hope to hear from Matternet about new partnerships, sales, operations, or deployments to demonstrate that the regulatory pathway the industry has been following leads somewhere. Additionally, we look forward to understanding the economic considerations investors are making for drone delivery networks and how the regulatory environment will meet those targets. Finally, we hope to see delivery and inspection companies talking about the immense amount of social engagement, societal sensitizing, and stakeholder development that has gone into their work to ensure a smooth pathway forward for infrastructure installations.