HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The 'Association of Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International's Pathfinder Chapter' held its 33rd annual symposium this week. There were many defense contractors in attendance who focus on drones and the AUVSI Pathfinder Chapter hosted several security personnel.
"Unmanned Systems Conference brings together the technology, the people who require the technology, the warfighters, the program management industry," said John Burke, a Specialist Executive for Deloitte, "And of course, it also is an opportunity for the association to share with so many middle schoolers, high schoolers, even college students."
Huntsville has a big connection to the defense world, something that Colonel Scott Anderson, a project manager with Unmanned Aircraft Systems, says is responsible for its success.
"It's association with Redstone Arsenal. It's location, the Redstone Arsenal, the big technology, the companies that we have here, it's just uniquely positioned to provide that world class capability." Anderson said.
Jim Charlton, the chapter's treasurer, says this drone and defense technology keeps soldiers safe.
"Just knowing that they're out there watching our soldiers and keeping them safe and giving people the ability to see the enemy, like laying an IED or something like that," said Charlton. "That's one of the big things that, you know allow the commanders on the battlefield to maneuver commanders to be able to execute their missions, much more efficiently."
Charlton also says a big thing about this symposium is the sponsorship funding it provides to the next generation.
"We support probably 30 to 40 schools and robotics clubs and STEM organizations each year. With the proceeds that we make from this, we're all volunteers." said Charlton, "We do this for a passion to hopefully excite our next generation of kids."
Organizers from the AVUSI pathfinder chapter say they are excited to get the young generation interested in the "World of S.T.E.M." and they're ready to come back for their symposium next year. Keynote speaker Walter T. Rugen of the U.S. Army Futures Command also said this event is something very special.
"As I spoke, especially to the young students, it was profoundly impactful to see the things they're doing in middle school and high school that I couldn't even imagine doing in college," said Rugen. "When I was going through my mechanical engineering time, just tremendous capability from our youngsters and we need to nurture."