This session showcases multiple case studies that present a practical framework for developing a clear and actionable drone integration roadmap. These frameworks are distinct depending on the need and industry, but they’ve enabled project managers and stakeholders of all types to strategically incorporate drone technology into their projects for enhanced efficiency, data-driven insights, and improved outcomes. Presenters will showcase…
- Best practices for hardware and software selection, regulatory compliance, and data management.
- How to develop a phased technology implementation plan.
- An approach to evaluating drone hardware, software, and service options.
- What it means to address FAA regulatory compliance and internal safety protocols.
- Establishing KPIs to track and measure ROI.
This session will provide attendees with the structured approach and practical guidance to create a strategic roadmap that will pave the way for successful drone utilization no matter where you are in the adoption process.
Lessons Learned from 7 Years of Construction Site Drone Captures
Drawing on extensive experience managing thousands of drone missions across diverse construction projects—from residential builds to major tech campuses—this session offers critical insights into optimizing drone flight schedules. Attendees will learn how to maximize data relevance and achieve efficient resource management by strategically planning flight frequency. They’ll also learn how daily, weekly, or monthly drone flights directly impact project oversight, progress tracking accuracy, and the quality of stakeholder decision-making.
Presenter: Stan Khlevner
Mitigating Rail Risks with Autonomous Drone Operations
Learn how a major transportation company revolutionized rail safety and operational efficiency by implementing autonomous drone systems. This presentation will detail their journey from concept to deployment of docked drone systems across multiple rail yards, highlighting the technical innovations that enable the detection of minute defects (as small as 1/8 inch from 100 feet), the precision of autonomous flight control, and the power of machine learning algorithms in automatically identifying critical rail issues. Attendees will gain insights into the company’s innovative approach to regulatory compliance, including strategies for securing BVLOS approvals and implementing robust failsafe mechanisms. The session will also explore the company’s ambitious vision for scaling autonomous inspections across their entire network and the potential of future applications beyond rail yards, including enhanced analytics capabilities that transform raw imagery into actionable predictive maintenance insights.
Presenter: Neel Sharma
Managing Your Drone Fleet
This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of the essential strategies and best practices for effectively managing a drone fleet, regardless of your organization’s size or scale. We will explore the entire lifecycle of drone assets, from initial acquisition and integration to ongoing maintenance, operational deployment, and eventual retirement. Learn how to gain optimal control over your fleet, maximize its utilization, and ensure a strong return on investment.
Presenter: Caprice Larimer-Musty
AI-Powered Monitoring and Inspection for Highway Infrastructure
Learn how a leading transportation company transformed highway monitoring and inspection by implementing AI-powered autonomous drone systems, all managed through their innovative Remote Autonomous Drone Intelligence Command and Control Center (RADIC). This presentation will detail their integrated system, which strategically combines autonomously operating dock drone stations with centralized remote piloting capabilities and cutting-edge AI analytics. Discover their approach to selecting the right hardware, including the deployment of medium-range drones for routine network surveillance and versatile VTOL systems for extended coverage during critical events. The session will also address significant regulatory milestones achieved, including the company’s success in becoming one of the first operators to secure a Light UAS Operator Certificate (LUC) for remote drone operations conducted without the need for on-site observers.
Presenter: Baisali Ghosh
Building a Solar UAV Program from the Ground Up
Building a successful UAV program from the ground up in the dynamic solar construction industry presents unique complexities. This session offers firsthand experience and insights on the challenges and opportunities of establishing a new drone program. Learn how to navigate the evolving landscape of technology and FAA regulations, while effectively managing public perception and media relations. Attendees will also discover the critical factors for successfully integrating UAVs into solar construction operations and building a sustainable, adaptable program.
Presenter: Nathan Hardy
