Technology Transfer Program Updates:
FAA Technology Transfer Program Holds SMART Unmanned Systems and Robotics Conference
By Deborah Germak
The Federal Aviation Administration’s Technology Transfer Program launched efforts to delve into the spectrum of unmanned airborne systems (UAS), last summer. The Program hosted a Strengthening the Mid-Atlantic Region for Tomorrow (SMART) event at the Technical Center on June 29, 2007, sponsored by NavMar Applied Sciences Corporation, of Warminster, Pa.
The gathering of regional government, academia, industry, and support organizations focused on the topic of UAS in the national airspace system, and the plethora of associated safety concerns. The newly formed SMART cluster group, Unmanned Systems and Robotics (US&R), covers other related topics, too. Conference briefings and discussions addressed unmanned marine vehicles (undersea and surface craft); unmanned ground vehicles, such as remote controlled robotic devices; and the modeling and simulation technologies employed in designing unmanned systems.
“We were delighted to host this kick-off meeting,” said Deborah Germak, FAA Technology Transfer Program Manager. “The potential of unmanned airborne systems opens up an exciting, new frontier, along with many challenges. We expect the synergy generated by this event to foster valuable partnerships and stimulate creative, new ideas in the UAS arena.” |
