Conference Overview

Shaping the Rules That Shape Autonomy 

As autonomy continues to scale across air, ground, and maritime domains, the policies and governance frameworks that guide integration must evolve just as rapidly. This track brings together federal, state, local, tribal, and international stakeholders to address the complex policy landscape shaping the future of autonomous systems.  

Sessions will explore how government and industry can align around regulatory pathways, spectrum allocation, CUAS authorities, certification, and public trust, while also tackling critical issues such as infrastructure sharing, cross-border harmonization, and ethical deployment.  

These sessions are designed for attendees looking to navigate the “how” of policy implementation, from real-world operationalization to collaborative frameworks that support innovation at scale. 

Keywords: AI ethics, certification pathways, compliance strategy, cross-border operations, demonstration programs, DHS, DoD, DoT, FAA, FCC, federal regulations, EASA, global harmonization, ICAO, infrastructure policy, international standards, joint governance, liability and insurance, operational frameworks, policy implementation, public-private partnerships, responsible innovation, risk disclosure, spectrum management, state and local governance, tribal and territorial policy 

Strategies for Securing Supply Chains, Systems, and Technologies   

From cyberattacks on industrial systems to geopolitical disruptions and constrained access to critical components, today’s uncrewed and autonomous systems industry must operate with resilience as a baseline requirement.  

These sessions explore how companies and integrators are responding to increasing external pressures, not by tracking policy shifts alone, but by transforming how they design, build, and secure their systems. Topics include supply chain visibility, secure-by-design principles, zero-trust architecture, export control preparedness, and reducing reliance on foreign-sourced components.  

Sessions are geared toward practitioners and decision-makers across engineering, cybersecurity, operations, and compliance who must translate global risks into smart, operational choices. 

Keywords: Authority to Operate (ATO), business continuity, critical components, cybersecurity, dual-use technology, encryption, export controls, firmware security, FOCI, HBOM (Hardware Bill of Materials) incident response, localization strategies, NDAA compliance, operational readiness, origin traceability, procurement risk, reverse engineering, risk mitigation, sanctions, SBOM (Software Bill of Materials), secure-by-design, secure manufacturing, supplier risk management, supply chain resilience, supply chain security, system hardening, tamper detection, testing and evaluation, vendor vetting   

Engineering Intelligence, Integration, and Innovation   

These sessions explore the core technologies, systems, and engineering breakthroughs powering the next generation of uncrewed and autonomous systems. From advanced materials and propulsion to AI-driven perception and control systems, these sessions dive into the R&D, integration, and prototyping efforts shaping air, ground, and maritime autonomy.  

Attendees will gain insight into algorithm development, sensor fusion, energy efficiency, testing environments, and the complex interplay between hardware, software, and human-centered design. Emerging topics like generative AI, verification and validation, quantum influence, and modular architectures will also be explored in the context of real-world deployments.  

Whether developing platforms, fine-tuning components, or assessing readiness for field use, this track is built for technical professionals driving the future of autonomy. 

Keywords: algorithm development, AI assurance, artificial intelligence, battery lifespan, computer vision, CUAS solutions, data assurance, design principles, energy storage, field testing, generative AI, human-centered design, interoperability, large language models (LLMs), machine learning, mission capability, modular architecture, optimization, perception, propulsion technologies, quantum technologies, readiness levels, sensor integration, testing methodologies, TRL, verification and validation (V&V)   

Scaling Infrastructure, Intelligence, and Impact   

Scaling autonomy from pilot to full deployment requires a layered ecosystem of infrastructure, data systems, and operational strategy. This track explores how autonomy is integrated into complex environments, from airports and ports to corridors, cities, and digital platforms.  

Sessions will examine the infrastructure, networks, and data architectures enabling logistics, delivery, inspection, and mobility use cases. Discussions will focus on systems-level coordination, predictive performance, physical and digital infrastructure design, and actionable insights that support long-term operations.  

These sessions are designed for those building the foundations and frameworks of operational autonomy, including integrators, infrastructure developers, urban planners, data engineers, and commercial operators. 

Keywords: Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), autonomous logistics, charging stations, command and control (C2), contingency planning, data architecture, data curation, data privacy, data processing, data sovereignty, digital infrastructure, digital twins, electrification, edge computing, energy planning, infrastructure funding, integration testing, legacy systems, operational analytics, physical infrastructure, predictive maintenance, skyports/vertiports, smart cities, standards development, system-of-systems, UTM   

Preparing People for Emerging Tech   

As the uncrewed systems and robotics sectors grow, so does the need for a workforce equipped with the skills to design, build, operate, and support these technologies.   

Sessions will spotlight curriculum innovation, credentialing models, apprenticeship programs, workforce readiness strategies, and re-skilling initiatives, with a focus on bridging education and employment. From STEM engagement to community college programs, career pathways, and veteran transitions, attendees will discover how partnerships are being forged to meet the moment and shape the future.  

These sessions are ideal for employers, academic institutions, educators, workforce leaders, and policymakers committed to preparing talent for autonomy across air, land, and sea. 

Keywords: apprenticeships, career pathways, curriculum development, diversity and inclusion, economic mobility, education ecosystem, employer partnerships, equitable access, federal workforce funding, future workforce, higher education, internships, job readiness, micro-credentials, standard occupational classification codes (SOC), part 107, post-secondary education, public-private partnerships, re-skilling, short-term training, skill building, STEM, talent pipeline, technical education, Trusted Operator, workforce development   

Funding, Adoption & Real-World Impact    

This track focuses on the business case, funding models, and operational value of uncrewed and autonomous systems. Designed for both innovators and end users, these sessions highlight how organizations across sectors are funding, adopting, and scaling autonomy, from industrial inspection and infrastructure monitoring to logistics, security, and environmental conservation.  

With a focus on implementation and impact, speakers will share use cases, ROI insights, and strategies for navigating procurement, pilot-to-scale transitions, and public-private partnerships. Whether you're building a solution or considering how to deploy one, this track delivers actionable perspectives on where autonomy works, and why. 

Keywords: autonomy-as-a-service, community outreach, conservation technology, defense missions, delivery operations, drones-as-a-service, environmental value, funding, grant programs, illustrating ROI, implementation, infrastructure inspection, industry adoption, investment, logistics, mapping, media strategy, Part 135, public-private partnerships, regulatory navigation, surveying, technology adoption, transparency and trust, urban air mobility, venture capital