The future of autonomous drone operations was front and center at this year’s Energy Drone & Robotics Summit in a panel session called, “BVLOS and Autonomous Operations for Crucial Infrastructure.” With the recent FAA reauthorization and significant advances in drone technology, the session provided a wealth of insights into the future of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Here’s a recap of the key takeaways from the discussion.

The panel was hosted by Dawn Zoldi of P3 Tech Consulting, and the panelists were:

• James Cieplak, Phoenix Air Unmanned

• Brent Klavon, ANRA Technologies

• Rich Schutte, Percepto

• Daniel Jenkins, Skydio

Watch the complete session here.

FAA Reauthorization and Its Impact

One of the notable updates discussed during the session was the recent passing of the FAA reauthorization act. This legislation mandates the FAA to develop a Part 108 rule, which will likely influence drone operations significantly. The panel discussed that the reauthorization reflects a growing emphasis on integrating drones into national airspace and setting standards for operational safety and efficiency.

Key Insights from the Industry Experts

There were plenty of juicy nuggets in the panel that those in the drone industry should care about. Here are some of the highlights of what was covered during the session.

1. The Role of Digital Infrastructure

Klaven emphasized the increasing importance of digital infrastructure in drone operations. With drones operating autonomously, there is a critical need for standardized, resilient data exchange protocols. The challenge lies not just in the technology itself but in the governance and accountability of service providers and operators. He talked about how a Dallas-Fort Worth key site initiative exemplifies this shift toward operational evaluation, showcasing how the industry is moving beyond R&D to real-world applications.

2. The Future of Airspace Management

As drones become a fixture in our skies, airspace management will become increasingly complex. The panel noted that the FAA is looking to private industry to develop solutions for airspace integration, reducing the need for the FAA to manage drone separation directly. This evolution is likely to influence future regulations and operational frameworks, including the upcoming Part 108.

3. Business and ROI Considerations

The discussion also touched on the commercialization of drone technology. Cieplak highlighted that while technology is advancing, the next step is focusing on the return on investment (ROI) and business cases. Drones are becoming essential tools for inspecting infrastructure and gathering data, and optimizing their use for specific business needs will be crucial.

4. Advances in Autonomy and Data Utilization

Schutte outlined the future of drone operations, emphasizing the shift towards autonomous systems and AI. The goal is to enable one-to-many drone operations with minimal human intervention. This includes moving toward supervised operations where drones can complete tasks with little to no direct pilot control. The integration of AI and advanced data processing will be key to maximizing efficiency and effectiveness.

Practical Tips for Drone Operators

To wrap up the session, the panelists provided actionable advice for drone operators and program managers:

• Klavon suggested that to stay competitive, drone programs need to focus on airspace integration and beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations—now.

• Cieplak advised incorporating safety practices from manned aviation into unmanned systems to enhance operational safety.

• Jenkins emphasized understanding the specific data needs before selecting a drone system to make sure you’re collecting and processing the right data.

• Schutte highlighted the importance of investing in the necessary infrastructure for BVLOS operations, noting that this can be a significant financial commitment.

Looking Ahead

The panelists pushed home the significance of the upcoming BVLOS rule, noting that it will provide a much-needed framework for the industry. With a clear regulatory path, stakeholders will have a common ground to advance drone operations and integrate them into everyday use.

Final Thoughts

As drone technology continues to advance, the industry is poised for transformative changes. The insights shared during this session underscore the importance of strategic planning, technological innovation, and regulatory adaptation in shaping the future of drone operations.

Want to watch the rest of the other sessions from the 2024 Energy Drone & Robotics Summit including hours of valuable industrial drone and robotics intel?