The Georgia Centers of Innovation and the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) invite you to the Unmanned Systems Policy Symposium. This event elevates the conversation around unmanned and autonomous technologies with a focus on the key policy questions and the commercial opportunities surrounding this industry. Please register for this event in advance.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Dr. Lora Weiss, Principal Research Engineer and Technical Director for the Georgia Tech Research Institutes Autonomous Systems Initiative

Dr. Lora G. Weiss is a Lab Chief Scientist and Technical Director of Autonomous Systems at the Georgia Tech Research Institute. Her research focus is on the design and development of technologies for unmanned and autonomous systems. Her research interests span the domains of air, ground, sea-surface, and undersea. Dr. Weiss was on the Board of Directors for the Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI).

AEROSPACE VEHICLES PANEL

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) are emerging as the next technical challenge in commercial aviation. With its strong aerospace industry, Georgia is a natural place for UAS companies to locate and grow to support emerging civil UAS markets in agribusiness, public safety, and more. This panel discussion will focus on preparations for these beneficial commercial applications through effective policy and legislation at the state level. 

Moderator: Steve Justice, director, Georgia Center of Innovation for Aerospace

Panelists: State Senator Josh McKoon; Dr. Morgan Cloud, Emory School of Law; Mike Kennedy, Chairman of the Atlanta Chapter of AUVSI; Dr. Eric Johnson, Georgia Tech’s School of Aerospace Engineering; Dr. Nick Alley, CEO of Area-I, a leading edge UAS developer; Amy Hudnall, Deputy Director, Georgia Center of Innovation for Aerospace and Board Chair of TEFGA; and Doug Nation, the leader of the consortium seeking designation as an FAA UASTest Center

GROUND VEHICLES PANEL

Self-driving ground vehicle (i.e. passenger cars, trucks) technology is advancing on an exponential curve. Georgia has the opportunity to embrace the technology, and in so doing, become a leader in ongoing research, development, and adaptation to self-driving vehicles. In order to help inform policy makers and industry leaders about this technology, this symposium will include a discussion of the policy and technology landscape of self-driving vehicles. 

Moderator: Page Siplon, program director, Georgia Centers of Innovation, and the executive director, Georgia Center of Innovation for Logistics

Panelists: State Representative Ed Setzler; Rick Walker, president and CEO, Georgia Automotive Manufacturers Association; Dr. Steve Dickerson, Professor Emeritus, Georgia Tech; and Leigh Cook, GTRI STEM Coordinator