If we had 10 minutes to spend with Auterion’s CEO, what would we learn? From the floor of the AUVSI Xponential drone conference in Orlando, Florida, I speak with Lorenz Meier, CEO of Auterion.&nbsp; Auterion is the premier end-to-end operating system for commercial drones, based on open-standards, flexibility and choice.&nbsp; As many know, in 2008 Lorenz created and released the PX4 autonomous drone autopilot to the open source community. He is also the creator of Pixhawk, MAVLink and QGroundControl, today’s most commonly used flight control hardware and autopilot software. &nbsp;Today, Auterion is the leader in open source operating systems. In this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Lorenz talks about the Auterion ecosystem and the opportunities in the drone industry.&nbsp;

Ten Minutes with Lorenz Meier, CEO of Auterion

Is a perpetual flying drone possible? Fatema Hamdani is Co-Founder and President of Kraus Hamdani Aerospace, a San Francisco based leader in ultra long endurance unmanned aerial systems. Founded in 2016, the company has created its flagship product, the K1000ULE, a zero emissions drone flying longer than any other electric aircraft in its category.&nbsp; Having recently broken the world record for an electric drone in its size and weight category, the K1000ULE can travel longer distances, stay in flight longer and at higher altitudes, making them ideal for jobs that are risky for humans, such as disaster relief efforts, search and recovery, military intelligence and reconnaissance, wildlife anti-poaching operations, and even human trafficking prevention.&nbsp;&nbsp; Fatema’s experience spans across the aerospace, financial services, life science, telecom, travel, and retail domains. Under her leadership, the company is reinventing ultra-long endurance UAS using artificial intelligence, machine learning, and biomimicry to create drones that can stay aloft almost infinitely.&nbsp; In this edition of the Drone Radio Show, Fatema talks about Kraus Hamdani Aerospace, the K1000ULE and the company’s plans for the future.&nbsp;

Building The Ultra Long Endurance UAS - Fatema Hamdani, President - Kraus Hamdani Aerospace

Where will future advanced aerial mobility vehicles take off and land? Damian Kysely is Head of EMEA at Skyports.&nbsp; Skyports designs, builds, owns, and operates networks of vertiports.&nbsp; The advent of electric vertical take off and landing aircraft opens the potential of urban air transport. Vertiports are the dedicated ground infrastructure that help realize this future. This is where Skyports excels.&nbsp; The Company is the world’s leading vertiport provider and operator, enabling safe and efficient urban air transport in major markets around the globe. At Skyports, Damian is responsible for developing and implementing global infrastructure strategy by working with real estate partners, city authorities, regulators and passenger vehicle manufacturers.  Prior to joining Skyports, Damian co-founded and ran Skyscape Technologies, a UK government-backed data analytics start-up identifying disused rooftop potential. He is also a Founding Partner at The Aviary Project, a collaborative platform and community for the Aerial Mobility industry. After his studies, Damian joined a transport technology consultancy in London and managed an early stage start-up accelerator programme in Manchester.  In this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Damian talks about Skyports, vertiports, and current vertiports projects in Singapore, Florida and Europe.

Skyports: Building the World’s Advanced Aerial Mobility infrastructure - Damian Kysely, Head of EMEA

How Will Drones Support NASA’s Mission To Mars? Giuseppe Santangelo is CEO and Founder of Skypersonic.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;is a leader in the use of drones for industrial inspections and first response emergency situations.&nbsp; Their flagship product is the Skycopter: a drone with a tiltable video camera that is designed to work in extreme conditions and ultra-tight spaces. Skypersonic also invented the first-ever worldwide civil real-time remote piloting system that allows piloting in first-person view any drone, not just the Skycopter, located anywhere via the internet.&nbsp; Skypersonic is a subsidiary of Red Cat Holdings, a provider of drone-based products, services, and solutions for the enterprise, military, and consumer markets.&nbsp; Other companies within the Red Cat Holdings include Teal Drones, Fat Shark and Rotor Riot. In 2022, Skypersonic delivered to NASA the hardware and software for a rover and drone system that the crew members of NASA’s Simulated Mars Missions will use to remotely explore Martian-like terrain around Earth – all from their 1,700-square-foot simulated Martian habitat at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.&nbsp; In the Simulated Mars Missions, crew members will spend one year living and working in a habitat at Johnson Space Center that has been designed and built to simulate life on the Red Planet. The Skypersonic drones and rover will be taken to an area on Earth that is similar to Martian terrain – such as a desert or mountainous region – where they will be controlled remotely by crew members in Houston. The exercise is designed to test the ability of astronauts on Mars to remotely explore the planet with drones and rovers.&nbsp; Giuseppe is a mechanical engineer and has spent nearly all of his professional career in the aerospace industry.&nbsp; He is a part-time professor at Wayne State University and collaborates at Lawrence Technology University as adjunct professor for the UAV Artificial Intelligence and Space System Engineering courses. He has been researcher and contract professor at the University of Catania of Italy in the Industrial Engineering Department. Giuseppe has been responsible for the development of projects on behalf of the European Space Agency at Thales Alenia Space in Turin. He participated in the engineering design and development of several equipment for the International Space Station with NASA. In this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Giuseppe talks about Skypersonic, its innovative Skycopter, the Simulated Mars Mission and the role that the company will play in the providing drones that will one day fly on Mars.

Drones And The Mission To Mars:  Giuseppe Santangelo, CEO & Co-Founder of Skypersonic

&nbsp;Are Hydrogen Drones Ready To Take Center Stage?  Ben Levenson is Co-founder and CEO of HevenDrones, a manufacturer of heavy-lift actionable  drones  capable of solving a range of commercial, infrastructural, humanitarian and military challenges. &nbsp;From autonomous last-mile delivery to defense missions, emergency response, and infrastructure repair  the company’s  fully-customizable drone solutions deliver cutting-edge performance, patented stability and superior lifting capability.  Powered by an expert team with military, engineering, and scientific backgrounds, the company enjoys a strategic partnership with Plug Power and is a partner and supplier of the Israel Ministry of Defense.  In February, HevenDrones launched its first hydrogen-powered drone for commercial use, the H2D55. With 5-times greater energy efficiency than traditional lithium battery-powered drones, the H2D55 is capable of flying for 100 minutes with a payload capacity of 7 kilograms.   The launch of HevenDrones’ hydrogen product line addresses the challenge of flight endurance and payload capacity associated with lithium battery-powered drones as well as the long term environmental impact linked to lithium mining. Without the need to frequently replace batteries, hydrogen fuel cells will also lower long term ownership costs for organizations implementing drone technology at scale.   In this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Ben talks about HevenDrones, the company’s innovative hydrogen drones and the promise and future hydrogen propulsion systems.

Hydrogen Drones Take To the Sky: Ben Levinson, CEO and Co-Founder of HevenDrones

What is a Chapter 135 certification and how does it relate to drone deliveries?  Yariv Bash is&nbsp;CEO and Co-founder of Flytrex, a  drone delivery company that partners with retailers and restaurants to offer fast, safe and cost-effective airborne deliveries directly to customers' yards. Flytrex operates the largest backyard drone delivery service in the US, with delivery stations in North Carolina and Texas operating daily, and has signed agreements with several of the world's largest retail and restaurant chains.&nbsp;   Yariv has spearheaded Flytrex delivery services for 5 years.&nbsp; Prior to Flytrex, Yariv was Founder and CEO of SpaceIL, a $100M Israeli non-profit organization that launched Beresheet, the first private interplanetary robotic mission to the Moon in 2019.  In January, Flytrex  announced its longtime partner&nbsp;&nbsp;was granted&nbsp;  from the FAA allowing Flytrex to operate and complete long-range on-demand commercial drone deliveries in the United States.   This milestone comes after years of rigorous training and testing verifying that Flytrex’s drone delivery service maintains the highest safety standards. With this part 135 Certification, Flytrex and CAU will further expand their drone delivery service nationwide – eventually offering food, drinks and other goods to the more than 82 million eligible back and front yards across the U.S. This approval has only been granted to a prestigious list of select companies – including Amazon Prime Air, Alphabet’s Wing, UPS and Zipline – to date.   &nbsp;   Since successfully launching the world’s first fully autonomous urban drone delivery system in Reykjavik, Iceland, in 2017, Flytrex and Causey have been working closely with regulators to help ensure the highest safety standards in getting drone delivery off the ground. Together, they participated in the FAA’s UAS Integration Pilot Program (IPP), which concluded in October 2020, as well as the FAA’s subsequent initiative,&nbsp;, working with the North Carolina Department of Transportation to help tackle the remaining challenges of UAS integration.  &nbsp;  &nbsp;In this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Yariv talks about the Chapter 135 certification process, how it differs from a Part 107 certification, and how Flytrex and Causey are now positioned to delivery restaurant orders to homes throughout the country.

The Significance of Chapter 135 Certification for Nationwide Drone Delivery: Yariv Bash, CEO and Co-Founder of Flytrex

Can drones deliver the mail?  &nbsp;  Michael&nbsp;Merritt is Commercial & Growth Manager at Skyports Drone Services. &nbsp;Skyports Drone Services is  a drone logistics company and provider and operator of eVTOL drones for cargo deliveries, survey and surveillance. The company is expert in the operation of long-range and Beyond Visual Line of Sight flight for a multitude of use cases, including ship-to-shore and maritime applications, medical and dangerous goods deliveries, and AI-driven surveys for the agriculture and infrastructure sectors. &nbsp;Headquartered in London, Skyports Drone Services has projects operating across four continents including Asia, North America, South America, and Europe.  &nbsp;  At Skyports, Michael  leads on strategy & operations, particularly in the area of drone deliveries.&nbsp; He has also worked as a flight operations engineer and pilot, gaining hundreds of hours of flight time experience and operating flights across many of Skyports Drone Services’ projects.&nbsp; Michael studied as an Aerospace Engineer at the University of Bristol and holds General Visual Certificates for fixed-wing and rotary drone operation.  &nbsp;  Recently,  Skyports Drone Services announced the launch of the Orkney I-Port project, a fully electric drone logistics project established in partnership with Royal Mail, the Orkney Islands Council Harbour Authority and Loganair. &nbsp;The project will deliver two new capabilities: daily inter-port delivery of Royal Mail items and the demonstration of shore-to-ship deliveries. The I-Port project is significant as it represents the first UK drone delivery project which can be conducted on a permanent basis under existing regulatory frameworks, a milestone made possible due to the unique landscape of Orkney.&nbsp;  In this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Michael talks about Skyports Drone Services, the Orkney I-Port project and how Skyports is working to create a permanent daily mail delivery service supported by drones.

Can Drones Deliver The Mail? - Michael Merritt, Skyports Drone Services

How will smaller, more powerful radar sensors change the way drones are used in first responder programs?   David&nbsp;Cameron ia Field Services Engineer and Lead UAS Pilot at MatrixSpace.&nbsp; MatrixSpace is a radar sensing company that produces the next generation of AI-enabled sensing that can identify objects and collect data in real time, with no cloud requirements.&nbsp; The company builds the smallest radar system to provide new levels of integrated outdoor surveillance, monitoring and inspection from both stationary and airborne platforms. &nbsp;One of promising uses for MatrixSpace radar systems is enhancing drone-as-first-responder or DFR programs for short.  David brings 33 years of service with the City of Campbell Police Department, where he held a variety of critical roles, most recently leading the department’s DFR (drone as first responder) operations. He remains a Reserve Officer. As Field Services Engineer and lead UAS Pilot at MatrixSpace he drives the UAS-oriented solutions for this advanced radar company.  The small size and powerful capabilities of the sensors mean police departments using drones as first responders can deliver improved service and safety while at the same time, eliminating the need for rooftop visual observers. &nbsp;  In this episode of the Drone Radio Show, David talks about MatrixSpace, the evolution of drone as first responder programs and how MatrixSpace sensors can improve safety and operational efficiency of future DFR missions.

Getting to Drone-As-First-Responder 2.0 With Smaller, More Powerful Sensors: David Cameron, MatrixSpace

How are advanced drone technologies revolutionizing global delivery systems?&nbsp;  For that question, we head to San Francisco to speak with Keenan Wyrobek and Juan Albanell of Zipline.&nbsp; Zipline is  the world’s first drone delivery service whose focus is delivering life-saving medicine to the most difficult to reach places on earth. The company designs, manufactures and operates the world’s largest autonomous logistics system. Used every day by businesses, governments and consumers, Zipline’s fully electric and autonomous drones reduce delivery emissions by up to 97% compared to gas cars. It has flown more than 70 million autonomous miles, and has delivered millions of items including more than 15 million vaccine doses.   Keenan Wyrobek  is co-founder and head of product and engineering at Zipline. &nbsp;Prior to Zipline, Keenan was a co-founder and director of the Personal Robotics Program at Willow Garage. He was involved in launching and growing the Robot Operating System (ROS) and shipping PR2, the first personal robot for software R&amp;D. Keenan has spent years delivering high tech products to market across a range of fields including consumer electronics, sportswear, and medical robotics.   Juan Albanell is Head of System Engineering, where he has led engineering efforts to scale up Platform 1 across the world and is now focused on getting Platform 2 from prototype to first customer releases. Prior to Zipline, Juan led a small team at Apple working on taking emerging sensing and display technologies from lab bench to automated production lines. He has dedicated his engineering career on taking early stage concepts to reliable customer products through a focus on test and automation.   In this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Keenan and Juan talk about Zipline, its long-distance Platform 1 delivery service and the company’s plans to scale short-distance Platform 2 home delivery services.   &nbsp;

Flying Forward: Zipline and the Future of Drone Deliveries: Keenan Wyrobek and Juan Albanell of Zipline

How effective are drones in monitoring coastal areas?  Mathieu Johnsson is CEO and Founder of Marble, a drone services company in England that provides maritime monitoring using fleets of high speed drones.&nbsp; The drones are used to monitor coastal areas for illegal fishing,  drug trafficking, and human trafficking, providing real time data to suit clients needs.  Mathieu Johnsson's passion for aerospace began in childhood, influenced by his family of aviators and skydivers. During his aerospace engineering studies, Mat focused intensely on the future of aviation, from flying wings to hydrogen aircraft, often prioritizing personal projects over formal lectures. His dedication continued into his professional career at Airbus, where he converted his workshop into a makeshift bedroom to devote more time to building aircraft. His innovative work on 3D printing drones led him to a role in Airbus's secretive "Future Projects Office." Eventually, Mat’s ambition to drive change led him to found Marble, where for the past eight years, his company has been developing technology to deploy drones at sea on a large scale.&nbsp;  In this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Mat talks about Marble and the use of drones to monitor coastal areas for a variety of marine situations.

Drones Over Water:  Marble’s Quest To Transform Coastal Monitoring - Mathieu Johnsson, CEO & Founder Marble

Today's guests are Oliver Heys and James Bassam of Surf Life Saving.&nbsp;&nbsp; Surf Life Saving is Australia's premier water safety, drowning prevention, and rescue organization. With 129 Surf Life Saving Clubs and over 77,000 members, it's one of the largest not-for-profit volunteer movements in Australia, dedicated to saving lives on the beach.&nbsp; A standout feature within Surf Life Saving is the Australian Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle Service, operating the largest coastal UAV surveillance program in the Southern Hemisphere. The Australian UAV Services uses drones to monitor sharks off the coast of New South Wales, enhancing bather protection while minimizing harm to sharks and other marine life. Oliver, Surf Life Savings Chief Remote Pilot &amp; Capability Coordinator, oversees regulatory compliance and brings a wealth of experience since joining the organization in 2020. Oliver's dedication to the UAV industry earned him a finalist spot for the Remotely Piloted Aircraft Professional of the Year at the Australian Aviation Safety Awards in 2023. James is the Australian UAV Service Operations Manager for Safety and Compliance. With a background in crewed aviation and roles as a Commercial Pilot, Flight Instructor, and Head Teacher of Aviation, James leads the operational delivery team. He has spearheaded numerous projects to enhance the capabilities of the Australian UAV Service. In 2023, Surf Life Saving introduced long-range drones to monitor the coastal waters of New South Wales. This cost-effective, non-invasive technology has been successful in ensuring the safety of swimmers and surfers while minimizing the impact on marine life. The public response has been overwhelmingly positive, with increased confidence in water safety where UAVs are deployed. In this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Oliver and James discuss Surf Life Savings, the use of drones to monitor sharks and the evolution of Australia’s long range UAV coastal monitoring program.

How UAV Technology is Making Swimming Safer: Oliver Heys & James Bassam, Surf Life Saving NSW

Jackie Dujmovic is founder and CEO of Australian based Hover UAV. &nbsp;Hover UAV is a trailblazer in the drone industry, helping clients advance their operations and navigate the complexities of drone regulations. By understanding each client's unique needs, the team creates customized procedures, documentation, and policies to ensure success in this fast-growing field. Whether it’s a client’s first commercial flight or they’re pursuing specialized approvals for cutting-edge missions, Hover UAV offers a full suite of services. These include building organizational strategies, crafting industry-standard safety cases, and providing policy recommendations to keep clients ahead in the game. One of their standout achievements is the development of SORA-Mate, an online risk assessment tool created with ANRA Technologies as part of the Australian Government’s Emerging Aviation Technologies Partnerships Program. SORA-Mate simplifies the process of securing BVLOS approvals, making advanced drone operations more accessible and streamlining regulatory requirements. Jackie brings nearly a decade of experience in the UAS industry. She’s not only a commercial UAS pilot but also an accomplished Chief Remote Pilot, known for building strong communication frameworks with regulators across local, national, and international levels. Her mission? To integrate drones seamlessly into everyday life, all while maintaining a firm commitment to safety, compliance, and operational excellence. Beyond her work at Hover UAV, Jackie serves on the boards of Safeskies Australia, the Australian Association for Uncrewed Systems, and the Vertical Flight Society, further contributing to the growth and safety of the drone industry. In this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Jackie shares Hover UAV’s innovative approach to drone operations, key lessons learned from working with global leaders in drone technology, and her insights into the emerging trends shaping the future of the industry.

Breaking Barriers: How Hover UAV is Simplifying Remote BVLOS Operations and Shaping the Future of Drones: Jackie Dujmovic, CEO of Hover UAV

Bill Irby is the CEO of AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. AgEagle is a global technology leader specializing in enhancing situational awareness through advanced robotics solutions. The company focuses on providing autonomous drones designed to tackle mission-critical challenges with high-value solutions. Founded in 2010, AgEagle initially pioneered professional-grade, fixed-wing drones and aerial imagery tailored to the agriculture industry. Over the years, the company has expanded its reach and is now a leading provider of full-stack drone solutions for industries including energy, construction, agriculture, and government sectors worldwide. As CEO, Bill brings a wealth of experience to AgEagle. A United States Naval Academy graduate, Bill has more than 25 years of senior management expertise in uncrewed air and maritime systems, ISR systems, actuation hardware, and communication systems. His career includes serving as Vice President at Northrop Grumman, one of the world’s largest defense technology providers, generating $30 billion annually. He also served as President of MTI and Steel Partners Holdings. &nbsp;Additionally, Bill is an active Board member of Ghost Robotics and the Chairman of the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI). In this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Bill discusses AgEagle’s evolution and technology, the company’s expansion into military and public safety markets and the role of AI and innovation in the Drone Industry.

Shaping the Future of the Drone industry Through innovation.

Kraettli Epperso6 is CEO of Vigilant Aerospace Systems, a leading developer of multi-sensor detect-and-avoid and airspace management software for uncrewed aircraft systems, enabling safe and scalable beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations. Their flagship product, FlightHorizon™, is built on two NASA patents and integrates data from multiple sources to provide real-time air traffic awareness and automatic avoidance maneuvers, preventing collisions and ensuring seamless UAS integration into national airspace. In 2023, Vigilant Aerospace was awarded a contract by the U.S. Air Force to develop a detect-and-avoid system for their long-endurance UAS, reinforcing their position as a key player in aerospace innovation. The company was also recognized as the Aerospace Innovator of the Year by 405 Business Magazine, highlighting its contributions to advancing safety and efficiency in autonomous systems. In addition to FlightHorizon™, Vigilant Aerospace provides integration and consulting services, working with partners like DronePort Network to support regional airspace management and economic development initiatives. Kraettli brings extensive expertise in uncrewed aircraft technology and airspace management. As CEO of Vigilant Aerospace, he oversees the company's contracts with NASA, the FAA, and the U.S. Air Force, and has participated in over 45 uncrewed aircraft flight tests. A recognized industry leader, he serves on the FAA’s BVLOS Aviation Rulemaking Committee, is a member of the ASTM F38 Committee on UAS technical standards, and has co-authored multiple AIAA papers on autonomy and collision avoidance systems. He is also the co-inventor of four technology patents, shaping the future of autonomous aviation. In this episode of the drone radio show, Kraettli talks about Vigilant Aerospace, it’s detect-and-avoid system and how organizations are using drones to advance economic development.

Using Drones to Support Regional Economic Development: Kraettli Epperson

Kevin Hernandez and Dutch Alessi are from Virtual Reality Rehab, or VRR. Founded in 2009, VRR is a pioneering research and development company with a bold mission: harnessing virtual and augmented reality technologies to push boundaries. With over 20 years of collective experience, their team specializes in creating innovative, multiplatform solutions for unmanned vehicle systems, advanced robotics, and next-level human-machine interfaces. Now, VRR is making waves in drone warfare with a brilliantly simple idea called the HellHive. Picture this: a low-cost, portable shipping box that doesn’t just store and transport attack drones—it launches swarms of them, guided by their smart HoloWarrior software. This isn’t about building drones but supercharging them with tech like ‘BatMode’ for stealthy ambushes or scalable swarm assaults, all while keeping costs down. Imagine a cardboard box transforming how militaries deploy overwhelming force! With small Pentagon contracts already secured, VRR is now positioning it’s products for the commercial sector  Leading the charge is Kevin Hernandez, VRR’s Chief Operating Officer. Kevin directs R&amp;D in electrical engineering, overseeing the integration and deployment of unmanned systems. He also spearheads product development, marketing, and sales for VRR’s HoloAccesories and Bee drones. Alongside him is Dutch Alessi, Chief Scientist, who collaborates with engineers and partners to unlock new swarm capabilities, driving innovation at every turn. In this episode, Kevin and Dutch talk about VRR’s journey, the revolutionary HellHive and HoloWarrior systems, and how they’re bridging military prowess with commercial potential.&nbsp;

How Drone Swarms Can Bring Value to the Commercial Sector

Kaitlyn Albertoli is CEO and co-founder of Buzz Solutions. Buzz Solutions leverages AI and drone technology to revolutionize how power utilities inspect and modernize their infrastructure. The company’s innovative software platform, featuring tools like PowerAI and PowerGUARD, uses advanced data analytics and machine learning to automate visual inspections, enhancing the safety, efficiency, and resilience of the electric grid. Their mission is to empower utilities to proactively monitor and manage their systems, reducing outages, preventing wildfires, and ensuring reliable energy delivery. Committed to driving innovation, Buzz Solutions equips teams with cutting-edge solutions to analyze data, collaborate seamlessly, and export actionable inspection results—all aimed at fostering smarter, more stable infrastructure for a sustainable future. A Stanford University graduate with a background in sustainability and finance, Kaitlyn is widely regarded as a thought leader in the energy and technology sectors. She frequently speaks at industry events and conferences on topics spanning utilities, AI, and infrastructure resilience. Before co-founding Buzz Solutions with Vik Chaudhry to safeguard the world’s energy infrastructure, Kaitlyn worked as a wealth management analyst at JP Morgan Chase. In 2021, her leadership and vision earned her a spot on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. Together, she and Vik are tackling critical challenges like grid-sparked wildfires, power outages, and storm damage with a bold, tech-driven approach." In this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Kaitlyn talks about Buzz Solutions, how AI and drones are transforming traditional utility inspections and the challenges of implementing and scaling these technologies.

How AI and Drones Are Revolutionizing Utility Inspections: Kaitlyn Albertoli, CEO of Buzz Solutions

Lori DeMatteis is Chief Revenue Officer of Matrix Space.&nbsp; MatrixSpace is a leading technology company specializing in advanced radar systems that deliver real-time situational awareness for uncrewed and autonomous systems. Their compact, lightweight radars offer precise detection and tracking, making them ideal for drones, advanced air mobility (AAM), public safety, and critical infrastructure. By integrating cutting-edge radar with AI, MatrixSpace enables safe, efficient operations in complex and dynamic airspace. Lori plays a key role at MatrixSpace, leading sales and go-to-market strategies across various industries and regions. She has a strong track record of driving revenue growth for emerging technologies—taking companies public or guiding them through mergers. Prior to MatrixSpace, she served as Global VP of Customer Success, Sales, and Marketing at Iris Automation, and held leadership positions at GE, Oracle, Emerson, Honeywell, and Lavin Holdings. Her expertise spans hardware, software, and networking. As beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations expand, the demand for scalable, precise detect-and-avoid solutions grows. MatrixSpace's portable radar systems are designed to meet that need. The company recently announced partnerships with AAM provider Skyway and public safety leader Advexure to support airspace awareness and safety. Lori works closely with these and other UAS/AAM partners to help navigate the evolving landscape of airspace management. In this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Lori talks about MatrixSpace, their radar technology, and how organizations are integrating these tools into their airspace operations.

Can a small portable radar system scale drone operations?

Dawn Zoldi is CEO and Founder of P3 Tech Consulting and Publisher of Autonomy Global. &nbsp;P3 Tech is an internationally recognized company that provides consulting, content, and education on emerging technologies, with a special focus on legal and regulatory issues in autonomous systems. The company is best known for its award-winning Dawn of Autonomy podcast (formerly Dawn of Drones) and its global media platform, Autonomy Global, which connects people passionate about advanced tech policy with the programs and insights they need to succeed. Dawn is a licensed attorney and retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, with 28 years of military and federal service. She’s also a Part 107 certified drone pilot and an internationally recognized expert in uncrewed aircraft system law and policy. Her work has been featured on Fox News, CNN, Forbes, Newsweek, and PBS. Her Dawn of Autonomy podcast was named one of the “Top 7 Drone Podcasts of 2024” by The Drone Girl and “Best Drone Podcast of the Year 2023” by The Droning Company. She is also the author of Unmanned Aircraft Systems Legal and Business Considerations: A Modern Primer for U.S. Drone Programs. In early 2025, Congress passed a continuing resolution to keep the U.S. government funded. But what does that mean for the drone industry? In this episode, Dawn breaks it down—especially for companies working in autonomy, robotics, drones, and AI technologies for defense. She also shares updates on her Law-Tech Connect Workshop and the latest from Autonomy Global.

Funding the Future: How the 2025 CR Impacts Drones, Autonomy, and AI:  Dawn Zoldi, P3 Tech Consulting and Autonomy Global

Stéphane Timpano is&nbsp;CEO of ASPIRE, the program management and business development arm of the Advanced Technology Research Council located in Abu Dhabi. The ATRC’s mission is to build a vibrant research and development ecosystem that supports Abu Dhabi—and the broader UAE—in its transformation into a knowledge-based economy. With nearly 1,000 employees representing over 70 nationalities, the Council is also investing in the next generation of innovators through a wide range of STEM initiatives. ASPIRE drives the Council’s programmatic efforts by crowdsourcing top global talent through international competitions and grand challenges. These challenges are designed to tackle real-world problems—everything from global hunger and maritime safety to the future of autonomous mobility—by bringing together experts from academia and industry to co-create cutting-edge solutions. As CEO, Stéphane leads ASPIRE’s strategic direction and oversees relationships with key stakeholders and partners. He brings more than 15 years of management consulting experience, including major transformation initiatives at Bain &amp; Company in Dubai and Nigeria. His industry expertise spans telecom, media, tech, private equity, and energy. Before consulting, Stéphane worked in the media industry in South Africa and Italy, gaining valuable experience at Sky Italia News Corporation and IMS. He has also been deeply involved in social impact and economic development projects with organizations such as the World Bank, Gates Foundation, Acumen, and Endeavor. He holds an MBA from SDA Bocconi in Milan and a degree in Business Administration from Aix-Marseille University in France. Recently, more than 2,500 people gathered to watch top autonomous drone racers compete for a $1 million prize pool at the Autonomous Drone Racing Grand Championship in Abu Dhabi.&nbsp; And in case you were wondering, MavLab, from the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, secured victories in three out of four competitions. They clinched the AI Grand Challenge with their drone completing two laps of the 170-metre course in just 17 seconds. MavLab won the world’s first AI-only drag race, demonstrating straight-line speed and precision under intense acceleration.&nbsp; And in a landmark moment, MavLab’s autonomous drone defeated three top DCL champion pilots in a head-to-head AI-versus-human showdown. With precision flying, the AI-powered drone edged out its human-piloted rivals in thrilling contests.&nbsp; In this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Stéphane shares insights into ASPIRE’s mission, the rise of autonomous racing challenges, and the broader impact these competitions can have across technology, education, and industry.

Racing Into the Future: How Abu Dhabi Is Accelerating Autonomous Innovation: Stephane Timpano, CEO ASPIRE UAE

Mike Fraietta is Co-Founder of Gargoyle Systems, a leader in drone detection technology that delivers real-time aerial threat intelligence to security professionals, businesses, and homeowners. With advanced detection capabilities and seamless integration, Gargoyle Systems enables proactive protection against unauthorized drone activity. The company is currently building America’s first decentralized Drone Intelligence Network—designed to detect and track both “friendly” and hostile aerial activity, providing real-time awareness of unmanned aircraft in the skies. With a background in innovation and systems thinking, Mike was early to recognize the urgent need for smarter, scalable solutions in aerial security as drones proliferate across commercial, consumer, and military sectors. In this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Mike talks about Gargoyle Systems, their decentralized Drone Intelligence Network, and how individual asset managers can protect against the growing threat of drone-enabled crime. He also shares insights from his recent visit to the Russia-Ukraine border, where he studied evolving “dark” drones, counter-drone technology, and operational training led by the Ukrainian Drone Command.

Countering the Rise of Drone Enabled Crime:  Mike Fraietta, Gargoyle Systems

Michael Hill is Program Manager of College Workforce Programs at the Unmanned Safety Institute.&nbsp; The Unmanned Safety Institute or USI is an approved training partner of ASTM International and the International Business Aviation Council. The Institute is dedicated to improving safety in unmanned aviation by applying time-honored aviation safety practices to unmanned aircraft systems. USI accomplishes this mission by developing workforce readiness programs, providing training to UAS crews, and helping flight service providers meet their safety goals. Michael is a certified UAV pilot in three countries with over 6,000 flight hours and more than 7,800 successful, incident-free missions as a Remote Pilot-in-Command. He holds industry and safety certifications from FEMA, OSHA, NIST, and USI. He is a highly sought-after public speaker and industry influencer, passionate about sharing his expertise on UAV technology applications for land, air, and sea operations. He brings a wealth of experience to USI, including aerial mapping, telecom and wind turbine inspections, oil and gas and critical infrastructure assessments, search and rescue operations, as well as involvement with state and federal regulations.  An active advocate for the drone industry, he has served as the Policy and Legislative Chairman for the North Central Texas Council of Governments UAS Taskforce and as the Training Officer for the North Texas Public Safety Unmanned Response Team.&nbsp; Additionally, he holds the role of 2nd Lieutenant and the former Director of Unmanned Operations for the Texas Wing of the Civil Air Patrol. In this addition of the Drone Radio Show, Michael talks about the Unmanned Safety Institute and how it helps prepare students for viable careers in the drone industry.

Training Tomorrow's Drone Pilots: Michael Hill, Unmanned Safety Institute

What do you get when you combined a 5-star resort with a drone? If you ask &nbsp;today’s guest on the Drone Radio Show, he’d say you get an incredible vacation experience and an opportunity to explore a new technology.&nbsp; Bill Chen works at DJI’s central office in China in the business development and channel marketing section. There he’s charged with setting up new ways in which the company’s products can be experienced. In 2016, DJI formed a partnership with Marriott Resorts to allow guests to learn how to fly a drone. In this episode, Bill talks about DJI, the partnership with Marriott, and how the Drone Experience Program works.&nbsp;

The DJI-Marriott Drone Experience Program - Bill Chen, DJI

Do you have an idea for a new drone start up? Then the lessons offered by todays guest will really interest you. &nbsp;Siggi Hindrichs is an entrepreneur in residence at the Samsung NEXT Start tech accelerator in San Francisco.&nbsp; She is the founder of Notifleet, an early stage startup that aims to be an all-in-one solution for fleet management for commercial UAVs. Siggi is also a certified remote pilot with sUAS rating under Part 107. In this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Siggi talks about her business idea to help companies scale their drone fleets, the benefits and opportunities of working in a tech accelerator and the challenges and rewards of creating a new tech start-up.&nbsp; If you have an idea for a new drone business, you’ll find this interview interesting.&nbsp;

From Idea To Drone Start Up - Siggi Hindricks, Entrepreneur

Can drones be used to save sharks and other marine life? Michael Scholl, CEO of the Save Our Seas Foundation and Sonja Betschat Co-Founder of We Robotics explores this question.&nbsp; Save Our Seas is a Geneva based foundation dedicated to protecting life in our oceans, especially sharks and rays. The organization supports researchers, conservationists and educators across the globe.&nbsp; They have centers in Florida, Seychelles and South Africa, dedicated to learning about sharks and rays and sharing that knowledge. Michael has more 20 years of experience researching and studying sharks.&nbsp; His efforts have been featured in television documentaries by the BBC, National Geographic, and Discovery Channel and in publications including Science, Nature, BBC Wildlife Magazine, and Africa Geographic. &nbsp;We Robotics promotes the positive impact of drones across multiple social sectors, particularly in developing and at-risk countries. Prior to joining WeRobotics, Sonja was on the Board of Directors of Drone Adventures, a non-profit organization in Switzerland dedicated to showing the great potential of drones to protect our planet and support local communities. &nbsp;In 2015, Drone Adventures and Save Our Seas teamed up on a project to map a shark ecosystem in the Seychelles using a drone. In this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Michael and Sonja share their experience of that mapping project, offer some lessons learned and give us some insights into sharks, their ecosystem and the future of drones in marine research.

How Drones Are Helping To Save Sharks: Michael Scholl (Save Our Seas) & Sonja Betchat (We Robotics)

How far are we from having drones that will do our heavy work for us?
If you&rsquo;d ask today&rsquo;s guest on the Drone Radio Show, he&rsquo;d say it&rsquo;s already here. &nbsp;Bob Dalhstrom is CEO and Founder of Appelix, an company that serves industrial workplaces that are doing dangerous dirty jobs. &nbsp;His company has developed a prototype of an semi-autonomous drone for industrial painting applications. &nbsp;In this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Bob talk about Appelix, his&nbsp;Worker Bee Industrial Drone and the opportunities afforded through robotics.

Industrial Drones With Robert Dahlstrom, Apellix [DRS 036]

Do the FAA requirements for Section 333 exemptions confuse you?&nbsp; Well, you&rsquo;re not alone.&nbsp; Today&rsquo;s guest on the Drone Radio Show is Jonathan Rupprecht, an attorney specializing in drone law.&nbsp; Jonathan obtained a Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Magna Cum Laude, and a Juris Doctor from Florida International University School of Law. &nbsp;&nbsp;He has conducted extensive research on the integration of unmanned aircraft into the Japanese airspace compared to the integration in the United States' airspace. From that research, Jonathan authored a book on the law in the United States pertaining to unmanned aircraft called &ldquo;Drones: Their Many Civilian Uses and the U.S. Laws Surrounding Them&rdquo;. &nbsp;He&rsquo;s here to talk about the FAA requirements for commercial drone operations and some of the challenges that exist in today&rsquo;s environment.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Wading Through the Section 333 Exemptions [DRS 011]

Do you think you can design a drone?
Airbus Group and Local Motors have teamed up to issue a design challenge to the public: help create a drone that will delivery urgent medical and emergency supplies to remote, hard-to-reach areas. Win the challenge and the winners will receive $50,000 and a trip to the Farnborough Airshow in England.
In this episode of the Drone Radio Show,&nbsp;Alex Palmer and Matt Jackson of Local Motors talk about the Airbus Cargo Drone Challenge, how you can enter and compete for the $50,000 prize and the innovative co-creating process used to accelerate product design. If you&rsquo;re an engineer, designer or someone that loves the creative process, then you&rsquo;ll going to like this story.

"Be A Design Hero" - Design a Cargo Drone with Alex Palmer & Matt Jackson, Local Motors

Can drones provide value to State and Local Transportation Departments? That’s the question that we explore in today’s show.&nbsp; Paul Wheeler is part of the Technology Advancement Team at the Utah Dept. of Transportation. There he has served in many roles, including the Lead UAS Coordinator, survey technology advisor, lead of the 3D visualization group, Cadd support specialist, and construction surveyor. He is an instrument rated private pilot and has helped multiple flight schools develop interactive training for their programs and is working to fully implement the UAS program within the Utah Department of Transportation. In this edition of the Drone Radio Show, Paul talks about the efforts and results of using drones to support the mission of a public transportation agency.

Use of Drones by State Transportation Departments: Paul Wheeler, UTAH Dept. of Transportation

Is it really possible to build a UAV company around autonomy with current regulations? Today's guest on the Drone Radio Show believes it is.&nbsp; Dor Abuahsira is the CEO and co-founder of Percepto, a technology company that brings together real-time&nbsp;machine&nbsp;vision and advanced AI capabilities to create fully autonomous and dynamic drones. The drones are capable of handling multiple missions, reacting to pre-set triggers, and optimizing operations all while reducing operational costs. Dor is an industry expert with over 10 years of experience and is committed to creating connected autonomous drones that are fully operational without human involvement. In this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Dor talks Percepto and its autonomous technology and how the company works with regulatory bodies to deliver autonomous solutions.

Autonomous UAV Systems and Regulations: Dor Abuahsira, Percepto

What do we need, to fly a drone safely over people? If you ask today’s guest, he would say having a reliable parachute system. Gene Englegau is the founder of Fruity Chutes, a world leader in the manufacturing of recovery systems for drones and rockets. The company provides parachute recovery systems to many of the top UAS manufacturers including AAI Textron, Quest UAV,&nbsp;Silent Falcon,&nbsp;Aeromao, Zipline, and Matternet and more. &nbsp;Their top priority is to work with manufacturers and provide them with world class recovery systems. In this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Gene talks about Fruity Chutes, the FAA drone over people workgroup and what it’s like to produce recovery sysems for the drone industry. Joining Gene is his daughter, Janice Egnlegau who handles operations and assists in social media and other areas of the company

Why You May Need A Parachute for Your Drone: Gene and Jan Engelgau, Fruity Chutes

What do you do when the Drone Industry gives you lemons? If you ask today’s guests, they would say "find a way to make lemonade." Steven Flynn and his wife Susan Talbot are the owners of Sky Tango, a global drone services marketplace, providing job booking, support and aerial footage sales worldwide. Their story mirrors many entering the drone industry – a great idea, a start-up and a journey into the unknown. With a combined 40 years experience in Film and Television production, in 2012 Susan and Steve set out to create a successful drone videography business &nbsp;They were one of the first commercially licensed remote aerial filming companies in Ireland. In 2015, they launched the SkyTango marketplace, and soon after, they were connected with investors and potential major partners. Things looked promising, but in early 2018, the wheels started to come off, and Susan and Steve were forced to walk away from a major deal that just a few months earlier, looked so promising. Like many other successful entrepreneurs, Susan and Steve reevaluated their business model, applied what they had learned and launched a new service. In this edition of the Drone Radio Show, Susan and Steve talk about the challenges of creating their drone start-up, why they chose to walk away from a big deal and how that experience helped them redefine their company’s focus.

From Lemons to Lemonade for a Drone Start-Up: Steven Flynn & Susan Talbot, Sky Tango

How can enterprise companies better manage their drone operations?&nbsp; Uzayr Siddiqui id founder and CEO of Drone Entry. Drone Entry is a ventured backed drone startup, that provides an online platform Software as a tool. &nbsp;The tool provides enterprise companies with a management system to effectively communicate with their team of pilots and their client. Drone Entry also helps drone pilots build their career, and build their credibility with other stakeholders in the industry.&nbsp; In this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Uzayr talks about the Drone Entry platform and how the company pivoted from a pilot-centric business to focus on serving the growing enterprise business sector.

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