Chris Anderson: The CEO of 3D Robotics and former Editor-in-Chief of Wired, Anderson is a prominent figure in the drone community. His company develops open-source drone and UAV technologies suitable for various applications.
Romeo Durscher: As DJI’s Director of Public Safety Integration, Durscher is on the forefront of drones’ roles in emergency response, search and rescue operations, and more. His insights into drones for public safety are invaluable.
Helen Greiner: Co-founder of iRobot and founder of CyPhy Works, Greiner is a robotics and drone industry veteran. She’s been influential in creating drones for defense and security purposes.
Dr. Missy Cummings: One of the Navy’s first female fighter pilots and now a professor at Duke University, Cummings researches human-unmanned vehicle interaction, bringing an insightful perspective on integrating drones into the national airspace.
Jonathan Downey: Founder of Airware, a company that provides end-to-end drone solutions for commercial sectors. Downey’s vision emphasizes the importance of reliable systems for broad drone deployment.
Dr. Raffaello D’Andrea: A co-founder of Kiva Systems (now Amazon Robotics), D’Andrea’s work at ETH Zurich also encompasses the dynamic systems control of drones, leading impressive drone swarming demonstrations and pushing boundaries in drone capabilities.
Colin Guinn: As a partner at Guinn Partners and former CRO at 3D Robotics, Guinn has been a vocal advocate for drone technology, emphasizing its potential in industries like construction, cinematography, and agriculture.
Dr. Adam Watts: A researcher with the Desert Research Institute, Watts is renowned for his work on using drones for environmental research, from monitoring wildfires to assessing vegetation health.
Iris Automation’s Team: With a focus on collision avoidance systems, this company, founded by Alexander Harmsen and James Howard, is creating technologies to make drones safer and enhance autonomous operations.
Gary Mortimer: Editor of sUAS News, the oldest drone news platform, Mortimer keeps his finger on the pulse of all developments in the drone industry, from regulations to new tech innovations.
