
Drone Radio Show
Business & Economics Podcasts
The Drone Radio Show is a weekly show about drones and the people who use them for business, fun and research. Our guests share how they're using drones to make a positive impact, build a business, lessons they've learned and insights that you can use to take YOUR interest in drones to the next level.
Location:
United States
Description:
The Drone Radio Show is a weekly show about drones and the people who use them for business, fun and research. Our guests share how they're using drones to make a positive impact, build a business, lessons they've learned and insights that you can use to take YOUR interest in drones to the next level.
Language:
English
Episodes
Building a Decentralized Drone Imagery Network: Bill Lakeland, CEO Spexi
11/11/2025
Bill Lakeland is CEO of Spexi, the world's largest decentralized drone imagery network. Spexi provides a scalable, sustainable, and cost-efficient alternative to traditional Earth imaging methods, with its network of drone pilots delivering detailed, near-real-time imagery to support disaster preparedness, smart city planning, AI model training, and gaming applications. The network has mapped over 3.5M acres in 200+ cities across the world.
Bill has over 20 years of experience in geospatial imagery, having led and exited as both a Co-Owner and Vice President of two aerial imagery firms. Before launching Spexi, he spent two decades in traditional aerial mapping, operating fixed-wing aircraft with high-resolution cameras to capture imagery for municipalities and insurers.
In this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Bill talks about Spexi's network of drone pilots and the company's efforts to provide high-resolution imagery of urban areas.
Duration:00:27:32
10 Years of the Drone Radio Show: A Look Back, A Flight Forward: Randy Goers, Host and Creator
7/29/2025
In this special anniversary episode of the Drone Radio Show podcast, I reflect on a decade of conversations that have helped shape and document the evolution of the drone industry. Since 2015, the Drone Radio Show has featured 446 interviews with the pioneers, innovators, regulators, and changemakers redefining what drones can do. I revisit the major themes that emerged—from commercial adoption and regulatory milestones to lifesaving missions, educational advances, and the rise of autonomous systems. More than just a retrospective, this episode is a heartfelt thank-you to the guests, listeners, and global drone community who’ve made the show a trusted voice in the UAS world. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the podcast, join me in celebrating ten years of insight, impact, and imagination—and get ready for what’s next.
Duration:00:12:42
Target Acquired: Autonomy, AI, and the Future of Combat: Bryan Bockman, CEO AimLock
7/15/2025
Bryan Bockmon is CEO of AimLock—a company pushing the boundaries of defense autonomy with real-world solutions that enhance mission effectiveness and save lives.
Founded in 2013, AimLock is a U.S.-based developer of advanced autonomous targeting and engagement systems for defense applications. Their Core Targeting Modules—or CTMs—are designed to deliver decision-accelerating autonomy across a wide range of mission sets, including Counter-UAS, Force Protection, Direct Action, and more. With a fully networked, modular open systems approach, or MOSA for short, AimLock’s technology integrates with everything from small arms to unmanned systems, aircraft, and maritime platforms.
Bryan brings more than two decades of experience in R&D, engineering, and leadership across autonomy and weapons systems. At AimLock, he leads strategic initiatives and product development with a focus on scalable battlefield autonomy. He’s a strong advocate for integrating autonomy into defense operations and is especially passionate about how small businesses are helping redefine the future of warfare—particularly in the wake of the global War on Terror. Under his leadership, AimLock is setting new standards for modular design and rapid field deployment.
In this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Bryan shares insights on AimLock’s innovations—including the role of Core Targeting Modules, how MOSA is transforming defense integration, and what the future holds for autonomy in the combat space. We’ll also explore how AimLock supports platforms across air, ground, and maritime domains—and how lessons from real-world conflicts like Ukraine are influencing system design and deployment.
Duration:00:33:07
From Battlefield to Business: The Rise of Collaborative Autonomous Drones: Geoff Hitchcock, Red Cat Holdings and Matt Vogt, Palladyne AI.
7/1/2025
Geoff Hitchcock ia Chief Revenue Officer at Red Cat Holdings, and Matt Vogt ia Chief Revenue Officer at Palladyne AI.
Red Cat is a cutting-edge drone technology company delivering advanced hardware and integrated software solutions for military, government, and commercial applications. Palladyne AI develops next-generation artificial intelligence software that brings autonomy and smart collaboration to robotic platforms in defense and commercial sectors.
The two companies recently announced a significant testing milestone in their ongoing collaboration—the completion of an autonomous, cross-platform collaborative flight involving three diverse heterogeneous drones. The system enabled real-time, distributed detection and tracking of multiple dynamic and static ground objects—including humans and vehicles—in different regions of interest, providing a single operator with comprehensive situational awareness. The two companies previously announced a successful two-drone flight operation in January 2025, and Palladyne AI announced a single-drone testing scenario in December 2024 to autonomously identify, prioritize, and track terrestrial targets. The results represents significant progress in enabling multi-drone interoperability and autonomous collaboration for the defense sector.
Geoff is a 22-year veteran of USAF Special Operations with deep experience in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. He’s led operations and business development at top drone companies, including AeroVironment and Vantage Robotics, and now drives Red Cat’s growth as Chief Revenue Officer.
Matt began his career as a U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier attack pilot and later served as a Special Operations Forward Air Controller. After a decade leading business development at AeroVironment, he now oversees all revenue activities at Palladyne AI, focusing on AI-driven autonomy solutions for defense and commercial use.
In this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Matt and Geoff share how Red Cat and Palladyne AI’s partnership is unlocking true autonomous multi-drone collaboration, what this breakthrough means for modern military operations, and how they plan to scale the technology for larger swarms and real-world commercial applications.
Duration:00:41:25
Flock Safety and the Future of DFRTechnology: Brett Kanda, Flock Safety
6/17/2025
Brett Kanda is Director of Drone as First Responder Sales at Flock Safety. Flock Safety is a leading safety technology platform that helps communities thrive by taking a proactive approach to crime prevention and public security. Flock’s end-to-end suite of hardware and software connects cities, law enforcement agencies, businesses, schools, and neighborhoods into a nationwide public-private safety network. Today, Flock is trusted by over 5,000 communities, 4,500 law enforcement agencies, and 1,000 businesses to deliver real-time intelligence—while maintaining the highest standards of privacy, data integrity, and responsible innovation.
At Flock, Brett leads the DFR Specialist team, focusing on reducing emergency response times and improving community safety. Before Flock acquired Aerodome, Brett was the company’s first employee and served as Senior Vice President of Business Development, where he spearheaded go-to-market efforts for their NextGen DFR platform.
With more than a decade of experience in the unmanned aerial systems (UAS) industry, Brett has deep expertise in UAS technology, regulatory frameworks, and market strategy. His previous roles include key positions at BRINC, FLIR Systems, and the Nevada Institute for Autonomous Systems, where he helped grow drone businesses and expand their customer reach. He also co-founded two drone startups focused on delivering actionable insights through UAS technology.
Before entering the drone industry, Brett was a professional golfer and a collegiate standout at UNLV, where he was a two-time Academic All-American and team captain.
In this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Brett shares insights on Flock Safety’s innovative Drone as First Responder program and how this cutting-edge technology is helping local law enforcement agencies enhance public safety and fight crime more effectively.
Duration:00:35:30
How Can Ground Robots Solve the Toughest Challenges in Industrial Inspections? - Craig Malloy, CEO Arix Technologies
6/3/2025
Craig Malloy is CEO of Arix Technologies, a Houston-based company specializing in robotic solutions for inspecting corrosion under insulation—or CUI—in industrial piping systems. While we often focus on aerial drones on this podcast, some environments call for a different approach. That’s where Arix’s flagship product, the VENUS robotic crawler, comes in. Designed to traverse both horizontal and vertical pipes, it collects high-resolution data without removing insulation or erecting scaffolding—dramatically reducing inspection time, cost, and risk.
The technology has earned the trust of industry giants like Shell, ExxonMobil, and Chevron, proving its value in the field.
Craig is a seasoned CEO with over 25 years of experience founding and scaling global tech companies, including ViaVideo, Lifesize, and Bloomfire. A pioneer in video conferencing, he led Lifesize’s transformation into a global SaaS platform with 4K video and contact center solutions. Known for his customer-first mindset and servant leadership, Craig brings a unique blend of innovation, integrity, and vision to the world of robotics and industrial inspection.
In this episode of the Drone Radio show, Craig talks about Arix’s systems, their robotic technology used to detect corrosion under insulation and how it benefits the energy industry.
Duration:00:29:52
Training Tomorrow's Drone Pilots: Michael Hill, Unmanned Safety Institute
5/20/2025
Michael Hill is Program Manager of College Workforce Programs at the Unmanned Safety Institute. 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. 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.
Duration:00:33:53
Countering the Rise of Drone Enabled Crime: Mike Fraietta, Gargoyle Systems
5/6/2025
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.
Duration:00:28:28
Racing Into the Future: How Abu Dhabi Is Accelerating Autonomous Innovation: Stephane Timpano, CEO ASPIRE UAE
4/22/2025
Stéphane Timpano is 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 & 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. 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. 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.
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.
Duration:00:34:54
Funding the Future: How the 2025 CR Impacts Drones, Autonomy, and AI: Dawn Zoldi, P3 Tech Consulting and Autonomy Global
4/8/2025
Dawn Zoldi is CEO and Founder of P3 Tech Consulting and Publisher of Autonomy Global. 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.
Duration:00:26:29
Can a small portable radar system scale drone operations?
3/25/2025
Lori DeMatteis is Chief Revenue Officer of Matrix Space. 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.
Duration:00:37:06
How AI and Drones Are Revolutionizing Utility Inspections: Kaitlyn Albertoli, CEO of Buzz Solutions
3/11/2025
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.
Duration:00:41:32
How Drone Swarms Can Bring Value to the Commercial Sector
3/4/2025
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&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.
Duration:00:49:23
Using Drones to Support Regional Economic Development: Kraettli Epperson
2/18/2025
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.
Duration:00:38:30
Shaping the Future of the Drone industry Through innovation.
1/21/2025
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. 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.
Duration:00:23:39
Breaking Barriers: How Hover UAV is Simplifying Remote BVLOS Operations and Shaping the Future of Drones: Jackie Dujmovic, CEO of Hover UAV
12/9/2024
Jackie Dujmovic is founder and CEO of Australian based Hover UAV. 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.
Duration:00:31:08
Aerial Lifesavers: The Role of Drones in Water Rescue and Saving Lives: Arcady Shteynberg and Eddie Bennet, Omada Group
11/26/2024
Arcady Shteynberg and Eddie Bennet are with the Omada Group. Omada was formed to take the best, most forward thinking ideas and technology to the public space. A partnership of several companies, Omada brings UAV, technology, rescue, training, consulting, and other innovations into one centralized business hub. The company’s goal is to find the right-fit solution to address a company’s biggest challenges.
Arcady is owner and partner of OMADA Group, where he leads efforts in developing innovative solutions for first responders, particularly in water-based search and rescue operations. His work includes collaborating with agencies to create standards for UAV operators deploying emergency flotation devices. Under his leadership, OMADA Group has also formed strategic partnerships with distributors in the fire, water safety and drone industry, as well as some strategic partnerships with manufacturers like BRINC Drones, to offer comprehensive drone rescue solutions.
Eddie is a 30+ year veteran of manned aviation and a former aircrew for Queensland Police in Australia. He is also a leading expert and innovator in the autonomous vehicle industry, who has also served on NASA Working Groups for Air Mobility as a Public Safety Expert. Furthermore, he is the founder and driving force behind Complete AUV. Eddie specializes in creating cutting-edge solutions for manned aviation programs, search and rescue, and commercial applications.
In 2018, Two teenage boys swimming off the coast of Australia, struggling to make their way back to shore, were saved by a drone that had dropped a self-inflating rescue pod into the water. This was the first-of-its-kind rescue mission of swimmers by an unmanned aircraft. Advancing the use of emergency flotation devices in drone rescue missions is one of Omada’s core objectives.
In this episode of the Drone Radio Show Podcast, Arcady and Eddie talk about Omada Group, emergency flotation devices and how this technology can help save lives.
Duration:00:43:22
Revolutionizing Warfare: How Small UAS are Shaping the Future of Military Tactics - Dylan Hamm, CTO of PDW
10/29/2024
Dylan Hamm is Chief Technology Officer at PDW. PDW is a cutting-edge drone technology company revolutionizing small robotics for military and government operations. Their mission is to democratize air support, empowering and protecting those who serve. PDW produces air vehicles, autonomous and AI software, as well as countermeasures in areas like electronic warfare, communications, and GPS denial. Their flagship product, the C100 small UAS, is a versatile quadcopter designed to fit inside a warfighter’s rucksack, providing personal air support on the frontline.
As the CTO of PDW, Dylan leads he company’s product roadmap and R&D strategy. With 12 years of experience in special forces and eight global deployments, Dylan has witnessed the transformative power of small unmanned systems in real-time combat scenarios. Toward the end of his military career, he saw firsthand how these systems were reshaping modern warfare, fueling his passion for exploring their full potential.
In this episode, Dylan shares insights into PDW’s mission, the ways small drones are changing the battlefield, and the innovative tactics and technologies being developed to counter drone threats.
Duration:00:23:56
Harnessing AI & Machine Learning for Advanced Drone Mitigation: Mary-Lou Smulders, CMO Dedrone
10/1/2024
Mary-Lou Smulders is Chief Marketing Officer at Dedrone. Dedrone is a world leader in smart airspace security. Hundreds of commercial, government and military customers around the world rely on Dedrone’s comprehensive, command and control solution to protect against the persistent and escalating threat from drones while enabling “good” drones to fly. By leveraging AI/ML, Dedrone is the only solution that provides continuous, autonomous drone interrogation and verification that enables both multi-sensor and multi-mitigation options onto a single "pane-of-glass". Dedrone customers can easily detect, track, identify, analyze and mitigate drone threats.
During her twenty-year high-tech career, Mary-Lou has served as Chief Marketing Officer at several enterprise software entities including financial technology company 9th Gear and crisis communication systems leader AtHoc. Additionally, she served as Senior Vice President of Global Applications and Services Marketing for Oracle Corporation and started her career as a rig engineer.
In this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Mary-Lou talks about Dedrone and the role of AI and Machine Learning in creating an effective drone mitigation system.
Duration:00:28:54
How Autonomous Drones Will Revolutionize Last-Mile Delivery: Beth Flippo, CEO Drone Express
9/17/2024
Beth Flippo is CEO of Drone Express. Drone Express is an innovative aviation company disrupting last-mile logistics by embracing autonomous flight. Founded in 2021, the company uses drones to deliver safe, reliable, autonomous, eco-friendly packages nationwide to customers. They have secured strategic nationwide corporate partnerships with The Kroger Company, Papa John’s International, Winsupply, and other retailers. The FAA formally accepted its Part 135 application. Upon completion, Drone Express will be one of only a few companies certified to perform unmanned beyond visual line of sight deliveries in the United States. On September 13, Drone Express launched their drone delivery service in Winston-Salem.
Beth is an accomplished embedded engineer with over 20 years of experience in the finance and technology industries. She has designed and developed advanced mobile communications solutions and is passionate about robotics and unmanned systems. Before launching Drone Express, Beth was Vice President of Embedded Software Development at TELEGRID Technologies.
She began her career in the finance industry in New York City, designing systems for quantitative trading and financial analysis for equity transactions on the New York Stock Exchange. Her experience includes several prestigious investment banks and brokerage firms, including UBS PaineWebber, Cantor Fitzgerald, and Goldman Sachs. Beth holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the Thomas Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of New York at Binghamton. She is a licensed drone pilot with the FAA and has a radio operator license, W2QNB, from the FCC.
In this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Beth talks about Drone Express, the company’s official launch into Winston-Salem and how autonomous drone delivery can provide economic and ecological benefits to communities.
Duration:00:35:18