Thought leaders will share perspectives on the impact of unmanned technology on the economy and society.

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) today announced keynote speakers who will guide discussions about the benefits and future of unmanned systems at AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2018, the industrys largest trade show, from April 30 to May 3 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver.

The experts will present keynotes, sponsored by Northrop Grumman, devoted to themes critical to the advancement and growth of unmanned systems. More than 8,500 industry leaders and forward-thinking users from the defense and commercial sectors are expected to attend the show to learn the latest on public policy, business solutions, and technology applications. They will benefit from the insights provided by these speakers and topics:

Tuesday, May 1: The Unmanned Economy
The opening keynote will highlight how unmanned systems are changing the way we work, live and play. Industry thought leaders will discuss how the technology is influencing Industry 4.0; the automation of technology, emerging opportunities, potential challenges and the workforce of the future.
• David Autor, Ford Professor of Economics and associate head, Department of Economics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Michael Chasen, CEO, PrecisionHawk

Wednesday, May 2: The Unmanned Lifestyle
These keynotes will build on the ideas and concepts presented the previous day to explore the cross section between technology and society. From the emergence of artificial intelligence in our lives, to unmanned systems and robotics in the military, to the automated delivery of medication and vaccines to remote areas around the globe and everything in between, this session will explore what these advancements mean today and in the future.
• Zeynep Tufekci, associate professor, School of Information and Library Science, University of North Carolina
• Stephanie Hill, senior vice president of Corporate Strategy and Business Development, Lockheed Martin
• Eduardo Martinez, president, the UPS Foundation, and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, UPS

Thursday, May 3: Unmanned for Good
These keynotes are dedicated to exploring the humanitarian and public safety applications of unmanned systems to provide aid and support. This interactive discussion with first responders who conducted unmanned missions in response to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, as well as recent wildfires, will highlight the lifesaving benefits of the technology in emergencies. The recipients of the AUVSI XCELLENCE Humanitarian Awards, sponsored by DJI, will be also be announced during this session.
• Chris Hernandez, sector vice president, Research, Technology and Engineering, Northrop Grumman
• Keynote Panel: Unmanned Systems Respond to Disaster
o Charles L. Werner, Charlottesville Fire Chief Emeritus and chair, National Council on Public Safety UAS, moderator
o Robin Murphy, Raytheon Professor of Computer Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University
o Thomas Madigan, commander, Alameda County (California) Sheriff's Office
o Mike Morgan, director, Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control
"We are pleased to welcome this exceptional line-up of experts to keynote the themed sessions at XPONENTIAL 2018," said Brian Wynne, AUVSI president and CEO. "These outstanding speakers will enhance XPONENTIALs educational programming by lending their expertise, experience and unique perspective in unmanned systems, giving attendees a priceless opportunity to apply critical learning to real-life business challenges."
For more information and to register, visit xponential.org.


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ABOUT AUVSI
The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) — the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of unmanned systems and robotics — represents corporations and professionals from more than 60 countries involved in industry, government and academia. AUVSI members work in the defense, civil and commercial markets. For more information, visit AUVSI.org.