News

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

Robot Ready: The U.S. Needs a National Robotics Strategy Now

The age of autonomy and advanced robotics is here, and dominance in this industry will determine who leads the next industrial revolution. This is not hyperbole: AI-powered robotics are already transforming entire sectors, reshaping factories, supply chains, infrastructure, and defense, and creating new economic and strategic landscapes. The United States must be prepared to compete.... 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 Launches Bipartisan Partnership for Robotics Competitiveness on Capitol Hill

Washington, D.C. — Today, a coalition of Congressional leaders and industry executives gathered on Capitol Hill to launch the Partnership for Robotics Competitiveness (PfRC), an initiative led by the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) to advance federal policy and secure U.S. leadership in robotics and physical AI. Held in the Cannon House Office... Continue reading

Vantis Enables ISight Drone Services to Expand BVLOS Operations

With access to Vantis’ full footprint, ISight can now pursue missions throughout the state. GRAND FORKS, ND –  Vantis, North Dakota’s beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) system, has achieved another significant milestone with the approval of its first drone operator authorized to fly BVLOS across all four Vantis operational volumes, or service areas. ISight Drone Services has received a... Continue reading

BVLOS Voice‑Relay Performance With AURA and NPUASTS Documented in FAA-Sponsored Report

Flight Tests Demonstrate Real-Time Clarity and LatencyMetrics Against RTCA DO-377 Standards McLean, VA and Grand Forks, ND (January 14, 2026) – AURA Network Systems, in collaboration with the Northern Plains UAS Test Site (NPUASTS) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), has completed a flight-test report that details the performance of its voice-relay service during beyond... 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

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.