The Energy Drone & Robotics Coalition hosted their first winter meetup, Bot & Brews, on the evening of January 22 at the Saint Arnold Brewery in Houston. 

Over 100 energy and unmanned systems leaders from Aramco, American Aerospace, Baker Hughes, BP, Caterpillar Oil & Gas, Datawing Global, EOG Resources, ExxonMobil, Fluor, Flyability, Marathon Oil, Oxy and more attended to gain insights in the latest in energy unmanned systems, use cases and technology updates including: 

• An energy UAV panel discussion with Scott McGowan, CEO, Precision Aerial; John McClain, Security Specialist / Chief Pilot, Shell Deer Park Refining; David Tran, CTO, Optelos; and Johnathan Casillas, Director of Flight Operations, Airobotics

• Use case presentations and industry updates with Johan Mlouka, Director, Americas, Flyability; Joe Henry, Director, Outreach and Commercialization, Lone Star UAS Center of Excellence; and George Guerrero, COO, Fluidity Tech

• Energy robotics technology updates with Steven Trevino, Program Manager, SPRINT Robotics, and Brad Tomer, GM, Industrial Applications, Tomahawk Robotics.

“We wanted to bring together our unique group of energy unmanned systems experts and operators, regulators and unmanned systems hardware, software and data technology specialists,” said Sean Guerre, executive director of the Energy Drone & Robotics Coalition. “Although we organize a large two-day annual event in June (the Energy Drone & Robotics Summit), we wanted to provide a smaller, more intimate setting for our community to network and quickly catch up on the latest updates and use cases to kick off their year.”  

In addition to presenting new unmanned systems insights, Bots & Brews provided a fun, casual environment for attendees with complimentary Saint Arnold craft beer and snacks. 

Additional information on the Energy Drone & Robotics Summit, taking place June 10-11, is available at edrcoalition.com. Registration is currently open.