From Battlefield to Boardroom: XPONENTIAL Showcases the Power of Uncrewed Systems

XPONENTIAL 2024 Soars with Focus on Autonomous Military Tech. Uncrewed Systems Take Center Stage at AUVSI's Annual Conference. This year's XPONENTIAL conference kicked off in San Diego, California, with a strong emphasis on autonomous military tech. From keynotes to exhibitions, the focus was on the latest advancements and future directions of unmanned vehicles in defense applications.

 AUVSI Sets New Course

AUVSI's new President and CEO, Michael Robbins, a U.S. Navy Reservist, outlined the association's plans to prioritize defense while still supporting the commercial drone industry.  A key initiative is the upcoming "Robot Ready Campaign" aimed at advancing ground-based autonomous systems.

 Military Leaders Embrace Autonomy

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) showcased its innovative efforts in integrating unmanned systems into operations across the Middle East.  From maritime drones to logistics vehicles, autonomy is transforming how CENTCOM gathers intelligence, conducts strike, and protects its forces.

 

Industry Giants Forge Alliances

Saab Inc., with its new AUVSI board member Michael Brasseur, is at the forefront of military robotics and AI.  Saab announced "S kapa by Saab," a collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation in defense and security.

A Look Ahead

The focus on military applications at XPONENTIAL raises questions about AUVSI's future direction. While some commercial companies see the defense sector as a potential growth area, the overall impact on the industry remains to be seen.

 Despite the shifting landscape, the conference buzzed with energy as attendees explored the vast exhibition hall showcasing the latest advancements in autonomous technology across various sectors. XPONENTIAL 2024 was a clear sign that the future of unmanned systems is taking flight.