Contact: Jackie Beckwith, jbeckwith@auvsi.org
For Immediate Release: December 14, 2020
Government
Government
CA State Senator Allen Emerges as Autonomous Vehicle Thought Leader
Media Contact: Jackie Beckwith, jbeckwith@auvsi.org
For Immediate Release: December 10, 2020
CA State Senator Allen Emerges as Autonomous Vehicle Thought Leader
The dos and don'ts of the Defense Production Act: How manufacturers can take advantage
In the current uncertain business environment, manufacturing demand has visibly shifted — ventilators, masks and other key items are needed in vast quantities and at short notice.
As a manufacturer you want to keep producing, and the government’s Defense Production Act could enable manufacturing organizations to alter production to cater for the new demand.
Matt Medley, Senior Product Manager at IFS, an enterprise software company, explains how the act works and how it can benefit your organization if you are agile enough.
Department of the Interior bans use of Chinese-made drones; DJI issues statement
After grounding approximately 800 drones in its fleet in Oct. 2019, the U.S. Department of the Interior formally banned its staff from using Chinese-made drones on Wednesday, Jan. 29.
Speaking to the Wall Street Journal, Interior Secretary David Bernhardt says the department decided to ban Chinese-made drones over potential espionage concerns, and over concerns that images taken with drones could be “valuable to foreign entities, organizations, and governments.”
Application period for SBIR and STTR seed funding opens
As of Jan. 14, the application period for non-dilutive seed funding from the Department of Defense opens — the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.
Application Period:
Jan. 14, 2020 – Feb. 12, 2020 (8 p.m.)
SBIR/STTR Application: https://sbir.defensebusiness.org/
Drone makes long-distance Norwegian coastal flight through civilian airspaces
Norway's Maritime Robotics announced that a Penguin B drone owned by the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment concluded a 200 kilometer flight in June, passing through several different types of controlled civil airspace.
The flight demonstrated a new wireless data link technology using phased array antennas from Radionor Communications, as well as a lightweight transponder on the aircraft, all of which was integrated by Maritime Robotics.
The Penguin B took off from Frøya, on Norway's midwestern coast, and flew north to Rørvik, where its landing was assisted by a crew from the Norwegian University of Technology and Science. The flight took two hours and 12 minutes.
Tuesday, September 17, 2019 from 2:00-3:00 PM ET, AUVSI Hill Day: Event Preview
Every day, members of Congress work on legislation that can either boost or hinder the advancement and deployment of unmanned and autonomous systems. AUVSI Hill Day, being held Wednesday, September 25, is an opportunity for the entire industry to come together and declare, with one unified voice, how unmanned technology is making a positive impact on local communities and economies across the country. Join members of the AUVSI Advocacy team as they give a preview of the event, set expectations for the day, and provide talking points to ensure participants maximize their meetings with lawmakers.
Who Should Attend?
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signs autonomous vehicle bill
On Thursday, June 13, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill that “removes unnecessary obstacles that hinder the development of autonomous vehicle technology.”
The bill, CS/HB 311: Autonomous Vehicles, removes barriers to the advancement of autonomous vehicles, and establishes a statewide statutory framework.
“Signing this legislation paves the way for Florida to continue as a national leader in transportation innovation and technological advancement,” Governor DeSantis says.
Australian Government purchasing second MQ-4C Triton UAS from Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman has announced that the Australian government will purchase a second MQ-4C Triton UAS from the company.
The UAS will be delivered through a cooperative program between Northrop Grumman and the United States Navy.
“Northrop Grumman is excited to develop this unrivaled capability for the Royal Australian Air Force,” says Doug Shaffer, vice president and program manager, Triton programs, Northrop Grumman. “Triton will provide the Australian Defence Force a high-altitude, long-endurance system for intelligence, reconnaissance and broad area surveillance missions to enhance the security of Australia’s borders.”
