From June 15-16, The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) New England will host #Robotica2017, an annual conference that brings together major players in the robotics and unmanned systems sector. Scheduled speakers include key regional and national leaders in the field, such as Katie Stebbins, Massachusetts Assistant Secretary of Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship, Meldon Wolfgang, Senior Partner & Managing Director, Boston Consulting Group, and Frank Kelley, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy.

Participants will demonstrate new technologies in the drone and robotic space and address their policy implications across key sectors of the New England economy, including transportation, defense, STEM education, health care and manufacturing. With interactive sessions and exciting demonstrations by experts on autonomous vehicles, consumer products, medical robotics, and national security, among others, the event will provide an excellent chance to explore the innovative uses of these advanced technologies and network with regional and national businesspeople, academics and policymakers.

AUVSI New England provides legislative advocacy for its members, and serves as a voice for the region’s entire unmanned systems and robotics industry. Most recently AUVSI New England’s executive committee testified before the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Transportation Hearing on Autonomous Vehicles.

The topics covered across the two days of #Robotica2017 are sure to attract a wide array of attendees. Frank Kelley, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy Unmanned Systems will speak on the Navy’s use of unmanned technology. Peter Wurman, co-founder of Boston-based Kiva Systems (now Amazon Robotics) will lead a session looking at the role of robotics in manufacturing. Dr. Waseem Naqvi, President of AUVSI New England and Director for Technology for Raytheon’s Intelligence, Information and Services (IIS) Transportation business will speak about intelligent transportation systems.

Through its own charitable foundation at the state and national level, AUVSI has made promoting STEM education a primary focus. Its efforts to increase student access to fun and educational robotic learning complement the work of the Massachusetts Department of Education, which has made the advancement of STEM education a priority.

“We looking forward to bringing together regional and national leaders in the sector to provide an educational and lively forum for the promotion of unmanned systems and robotics, where attendees can see these technologies in action and hear directly from the innovators and strategists,” said AUVSI New England President Waseem Naqvi. “This is a great opportunity to explore the issues associated with the future of unmanned systems and their integration across such a large span of economic sectors, from education to health care.”

Visit auvsinewengland.org to register for #Robotica2017 and for more information on AUVSI’s programs, events and members.