News

Detroit Conference Preview: See How Autonomous Technologies are Already Being Deployed and What Michigan Industry Can Learn to Accelerate Adoption

XPONENTIAL 2026 brings together industry, government and companies deploying these technologies to examine how robotics and autonomous systems are already being used, and what it will take to scale them safely and quickly More than 100 sessions and live demonstrations will spotlight real-world applications, regulatory realities and workforce impact Technologies on display will address disaster... Continue reading

XPONENTIAL Europe Advances Global Autonomy and Mobility, Setting the Stage for XPONENTIAL 2026 in Detroit

DÜSSELDORF, Germany — XPONENTIAL Europe 2026 concluded its gathering for the global autonomy and robotics industry, bringing together approximately 360 exhibitors from 43 countries alongside thousands of industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators. The event reflected the industry’s rapid growth, increasing strategic importance, and rising demand for autonomous systems across commercial, civil, and defense applications. “XPONENTIAL... Continue reading

AUVSI Statement on Introduction of the American Security Robotics Act

The Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) commends Sen. Chuck Schumer, Sen. Tom Cotton, and Rep. Elise Stefanik for introducing the bipartisan American Security Robotics Act, which takes an important step toward strengthening the security and resilience of U.S. government robotics and autonomous systems. As robotics and autonomy become increasingly integral to national defense,... Continue reading

XPONENTIAL 2026 Comes to Detroit at a Pivotal Moment for Autonomous Systems

XPONENTIAL 2026 convenes industry, government, and end users as robotics and autonomous systems move from pilots into production Detroit provides the manufacturing, defense, logistics, and infrastructure context where autonomy must now be proven Programming centers on deployment, policy and operational readiness as robotics and autonomous systems scale Detroit, MI (February 12, 2026)—The world’s largest global... Continue reading

The Yamato Trap: What Japan’s Mega-Battleships Should Teach Us About the Future of the U.S. Navy

by Michael Robbins, AUVSI President & CEO In the late 1930s, Japan built two of the most formidable warships ever conceived. Yamato and Musashi were floating proof of industrial power and a theory of victory—giant, heavily armored battleships that could outgun any rival in decisive surface combat. But they were masterpieces built for a style... Continue reading

AUVSI and Taiwan’s ITRI Sign Agreement in Washington, DC as ITRI Joins Green UAS Program as Recognized Cybersecurity Assessor 

Partnership expands in-country cybersecurity testing while AUVSI retains U.S.-based supply chain verification authority  WASHINGTON, D.C. — Wednesday, January 28, 2026 — The Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) and Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) announced this week the signing of a cooperation agreement in Washington, D.C., under which ITRI will join AUVSI’s Green UAS program as a... Continue reading

AUVSI Helped Tip the Scales for Autonomy in 2025

The year uncrewed systems, robotics, and physical AI became central to national strategy 2025 marked a turning point for robotics and autonomous systems. Uncrewed systems, robotics, and physical AI shifted from emerging technologies to strategic capabilities that are central to national security, economic competitiveness, and advanced manufacturing. Policymakers began treating autonomy not as a niche... Continue reading

AUVSI President & CEO Michael Robbins on FCC Public Notice Regarding UAS and UAS Critical Components

Today, the FCC built on the actions directed by Section 1709 of the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to protect U.S. national security and encourage American Drone Dominance. AUVSI applauds the FCC for placing Chinese drone companies DJI and Autel on the Covered List, fulfilling the will of Congress under the NDAA to protect... Continue reading

AUVSI Accredits New Training Providers Under Trusted UMS Operator™ Program, Expanding Maritime Workforce Standards

The Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) today announced the accreditation of Saronic and Safe Harbor Maritime as training providers under the AUVSI Trusted UMS Operator™ Program, advancing the adoption of consistent, mission-ready training standards for uncrewed maritime systems (UMS) operations. Through this accreditation, Saronic is authorized to deliver training, evaluation, and certification for... Continue reading

His Drone Security Startup Almost Crashed. Now Sequoia’s Investing $16M.

Sunflower Labs CEO Alex Pachikov's startup almost went under during the pandemic. Now his autonomous drone system is cutting security costs at commercial sites and high-net-worth homes. Sunflower Labs’s founders hope to spread its drone security systems across corporate rooftops everywhere. Credit: Sunflower Labs The Upshot Sunflower Labs CEO Alex Pachikov’s drone security startup was... Continue reading

About AUVSI

Since 1972, the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) has enabled technical innovation, supportive policy, and inspired academic breakthroughs in the uncrewed industry.