Future Robotics Forum and STEM benefit presented by Cascade AUVSI, October 19-21 at OMSI

The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) Cascade Chapter will host the Future Robotics Forum at OMSI in Portland October 19-21, including an evening benefit for STEM education grants throughout the Pacific Northwest. The Future Robotics Forum will host business leaders and inspiring speakers of over two dozen companies and organizations driving the future of the drone and unmanned robotics industries.

The Cascade AUVSI STEM Benefit Dinner will kickoff the three day event Wednesday, with the keynote from Ryan M. Hartman, president and CEO of Insitu, a leading unmanned systems and software technology corporation that delivers end-to-end solutions for collecting, processing, and disseminating superior information for customers around the globe. Proceeds will go to Cascade AUVSI’s non-profit mission to provide educational STEM grants to Oregon and Washington schools, and several past recipients will share their successes.

As Cascade Chapter President Brian Whiteside noted, “Our Board of Directors believes the efforts demonstrated by these organizations epitomize the study, experiences and applications that must occur to fully realize the potential of unmanned systems.  We know our previous funding efforts and those we hope will benefit through our fundraising event will continue to advance the disciplines and encourage activities vital to the responsible employment of unmanned systems in future.”  STEM, the acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, recognizes key components to educating a future workforce as a national priority for regional and U.S. competitiveness and future economic prosperity. To date, Cascade AUVSI’s efforts have provided over $30,000 in financial support to groups ranging from grade school robotics clubs to post-graduate studies.

On Thursday October 20th, the Future Robotics Forum will host an impressive panel of companies leading the way in this developing industry, with generous Platinum Sponsorship provided by SOAR Oregon, the non-profit dedicated to boosting UAS companies in Oregon and the operation of the state’s three FAA approved test ranges. Intel will present the keynote on their current robotics efforts, vision, and challenges. Other presenters include Hewlett Packard, with news about the latest innovations from their 3D Printing Division in Corvallis, and Jaguar Land Rover from their Portland-based research center focused on the Future of Technology Infotainment. The full agenda and registration can be found here www.auvsi.org/Cascade, including startup and UAV mapping workshops to be held on Friday, October 21st.

All the events are open to the public, though attendance at Thursday’s Future Robotics Forum is limited to 160, with lunch included at OMSI’s auditorium. Early registration is open until October 3rd to save $100. Click here for a direct link to ticket purchase options.