The Top Autonomy and Robotics Events for Government in 2025

Posted on by Lauren Regiec

Autonomous technology and robotics are having a huge impact on and revolutionizing industries like construction, agriculture, energy, aviation, public safety and infrastructure for the Public Sector. Here is a list of great events you should know about. Carahsoft and our vendor partners are excited to help attendees learn about and adopt solutions in the field of automation and robotics. Join a variety of senior leaders, Government executives, innovators and IT professionals to explore the rapidly advancing field of autonomy and robotics and how it can help your agency or organization advance its strategies and innovation efforts.

AUVSI XPONENTIAL

May 19-22 | Houston, TX | In-Person Event

XPONENTIAL 2025 is the leading global event for uncrewed systems and autonomous technology, bringing together innovators, policymakers and industry leaders to shape the future of autonomy. Attendees will gain valuable insights from over 200 expert-led sessions, explore cutting-edge technologies from 500+ exhibitors and network with 8,500+ professionals from across the air, land and maritime domains. The event offers unparalleled opportunities to discover real-world applications, address regulatory challenges and accelerate the adoption of autonomous solutions across diverse industries. Whether you are driving innovation, navigating policy landscapes or seeking strategic partnerships, XPONENTIAL 2025 is the premier platform to advance your organization’s autonomy strategy.

For a sneak peek into what you can expect at the summit, topics covered during last year’s event included:

Cybersecurity

Data and Analytics

Implementation and Application

Infrastructure and Operations

Technical Development and Research

Carahsoft is thrilled to be sponsoring and participating in this event again. We will be featuring two demoing partners at our booth and look forward to sharing details about our reception following the event. Check back for more details closer to the event!

Energy Drone & Robotics Summit

June 16-18 | Houston, TX | In-Person Event

The 9th annual Energy Drone & Robotics Summit is the largest event in the world for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), Robotics, Data, AI and ML, exclusively focused on the business and technology of unmanned systems, automation, data and AI in energy and industrial operations. Offering sessions in UAV and drone operations, maintenance and repair, marine robotics and more, this summit empowers geospatial leaders to adopt, adapt and scale.

Sessions to look out for:

Energy DataOps: GIS & 3D

Drone Geophysics & Remote Sensing

UAV/Drone Ops: Surveying & Mapping

The 2024 Energy Drone & Robotics Summit brought together industry leaders, innovators and tech enthusiasts to explore the latest advancements in unmanned systems, AI and data analytics for energy operations. With cutting-edge demos, insightful panels and hands-on networking, it was a powerhouse event for anyone looking to push the boundaries of automation in the energy sector. While Carahsoft’s involvement is still being finalized, we are planning to have a presence at this year’s event. Stay tuned for updates as we confirm our participation!

Commercial UAV Expo

September 2-4 | Las Vegas, NV | In-Person Event

Carahsoft Autonomy and Robotics Top Events Blog Embedded Image 2025

Commercial UAV Expo 2025 is the leading global event for professionals in the commercial drone industry, bringing together experts, innovators and decision-makers to explore the latest advancements in UAV technology. Attendees will gain valuable insights from over 100 expert-led sessions, discover state of the art solutions from over 200 exhibitors and network with over 3,500 industry professionals from sectors like construction, agriculture, energy, public safety and infrastructure. The event offers a deep dive into critical topics such as drone regulations, AI integration, beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations and real-world case studies showcasing UAV success stories. Whether you are looking to adopt drone technology, optimize operations or stay ahead of industry trends, this expo is the must-attend event for commercial drone professionals.

For a sneak peek into what you can expect at the summit, topics covered during last year’s event included:

Surveying

Drone Pilots

Construction

Infrastructure

Energy and Utilities

This year, you can find Carahsoft on the show floor with several of our key Autonomy and Robotics vendors and spend time with us at our reception – more to come. Keep a look out for our reception on our website!

2025 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE)

October 14-16 | Las Vegas, NV | In-Person Event

The 2025 National Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) allows its exhibitors to showcase their latest innovations and services driving the business aviation industry forward. At NBAA-BACE, companies receive unparalleled access to a global audience of decision-makers, industry leaders and potential clients. Exhibitors will have the opportunity to connect with thousands of attendees, expand their reach and elevate their brand in front of key players looking for solutions and partnerships.

Carahsoft is looking forward to attending this year’s event and joining the aviation industry’s decision makers, buyers and brokers at the world’s most influential aviation event. We seek to support the future of aviation through strategic partnerships and innovative technology solutions. By working with industry-leading vendors, we provide government and commercial customers with the tools they need to enhance efficiency, security and sustainability in aviation.

EVTOL Technology USA

October | Arlington, VA | In-Person Event

Drawing on knowledge shared by leading electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) experts, eVTOL Technology USA will facilitate fruitful discussions on industry priorities, challenges and solutions. Through a wide range of presentations, demonstrations and discussion, this event offers a holistic view and seeks to enable the community to access the latest design, innovation and certification developments in the sector. This conference will be a catalyst to furthering these internationally important topics by promoting dedicated discussions, networking and knowledge sharing to enhance approaches, analysis and solutions for the safe integration of eVTOLs in the US and international airspace.

Carahsoft’s involvement in the EVTOL Technology USA event highlights our commitment to advancing next-generation aviation solutions through strategic partnerships and innovative technology. By collaborating with industry leaders and leveraging our extensive ecosystem of partners, we empower Government and commercial customers with cutting-edge eVTOL capabilities that drive efficiency, sustainability and mission success.

Drone and AAM Symposium

July 29-30 | Washington, DC | In-Person Event

The Drone and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Symposium brings together representatives from Government agencies, international aviation experts, industry leaders and academia to accelerate advanced operations. Presenters and panelists will discuss the latest information and advancements related to the diverse uses of drones and the safe integration of Advanced Air Mobility aircraft into the National Airspace System.

Carahsoft’s participation in the Drone and AAM Symposium underscores our goal of supporting the future of autonomous and advanced air mobility. Through our strong partnerships with industry leaders, we provide Government and commercial customers with the cutting-edge solutions needed to drive innovation, enhance safety and accelerate adoption in the evolving aerospace landscape.

Previous Event Highlights:

GeoWeek

GeoWeek united geospatial and mapping professionals to explore how data, maps and advanced technologies can deepen our understanding of the world and inform solutions for complex challenges this year in Denver, CO. Attendees had the chance to discover cutting-edge developments in 3D technology, airborne and terrestrial surveying methods and Building Information Modeling (BIM). GeoWeek showcases over 200 exhibitors’ cutting-edge solutions, providing a comprehensive platform for comparing and qualifying technologies that are transforming various industries. In addition to the exhibition, GeoWeek offers practical, actionable education sessions led by industry experts, focusing on the integration of geospatial data, workflow optimization and software standards. This convergence of technology and knowledge-sharing positions GeoWeek at the forefront of industry innovation.

Sessions covered:

Rescue, Recovery and Rebuild by Francis Scott Key Bridge

3D, AI/ML and Event-Driven Architecture in Action by DFW Airport’s Digital Evolution

At this year’s show, Carahsoft’s booth featured live demos from two of our partners, Tomorrow.io and Reveal Technologies. We eagerly showcase innovative technologies for our customers and look forward to participating again at next year’s conference.

Army Worldwide Security Assistance Conference (AWSAC)

AUVSI’s AWSAC event brings together the ASAE and U.S. industry with opportunities for collaboration, transparent discourse, professional development and innovative ideas to reshape the future of Army security assistance. This three-day event is designed to provide a deep dive into the landscape of security assistance, defense innovation and the United States industrial base.

Sessions covered:

Best Practices on the Job | Program Management Best Practices: What Army acquisition best practices to apply to FMS on the ground

Integrating FMS into Army Modernization | Drive Partnership Across Security Cooperation and Modernization

Workforce Professionalization | Impact of Workforce Reform

Carahsoft proudly represented a 3-star sponsorship at this year’s AUVSI AWSAC event. Attendees had the opportunity to stop by our table and speak with a defense solutions procurement expert.

Drone Responders National Public Safety UAS Conference

The Drone Responders National Public Safety UAS Conference is a key annual event dedicated to the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) by public safety professionals. This conference serves as a hub for sharing knowledge, best practices and innovative solutions tailored to the unique needs of first responders and public safety agencies, as well as a space to promote the education of UAS safety.

Sessions covered:

Hurricane Responses

Exciting New Public Safety FAA Waivers

Law Enforcement Tactical, Detection and Mitigation

Carahsoft is excited to have sponsored and attended this year’s conference! As a Gold sponsor, we met with attendees at our booth sharing more about our Autonomy and Robotic Technology offerings and how to become a vendor.

Industry and Government collaborations enable Carahsoft to offer a comprehensive range of autonomy and robotics technology solutions and services to the Public Sector. By leveraging the strengths of these companies, Carahsoft ensures that Government agencies have access to cutting-edge technology for search and rescue, mapping and surveying and disaster response.

To learn more or get involved in any of the above events, please contact us at AutonomousTech@Carahsoft.com. For more information on Carahsoft and our industry leading Autonomy and Robotics technology partners’ events, visit our Autonomy and Robotics solutions portfolio.

Drones Revolutionize First Response: Search & Rescue and Accident Investigations

Posted on by Lacey Wean

In the fast-evolving landscape of public safety, a silent revolution has emerged with the concept of drones as first responders (DFR), search and rescue (SAR) life-savers and accident investigation accelerators. Incidents can happen anytime, anywhere. Whether it is a 911 call to the police, a missing person case or a traffic collision, time is of the essence. DFRs improve traditional response and investigation methods to save resources and time as well as reduce risk for first responders. With the emergence of drones as a public safety tool for initial response, DFR, SAR and accident investigations, a new era of efficiency and effectiveness has dawned.

Utilizing Drones as First Responders

In the past, arriving at the scene after any 911 call required precious minutes to mobilize personnel and equipment. The DFR model has changed this by significantly cutting response times. Equipped with high-resolution cameras, thermal imaging or other advanced sensors, drones can swiftly survey any scene from the skies and provide crucial data to first responders.

In December 2015, the Chula Vista Police Department (CVPD) established the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Committee with the primary aim of evaluating the integration of UAS into its public safety operations.^[1] The subsequent drone program represents a groundbreaking milestone, as the nation’s first instance of employing drones as first responders. Since then, the initiative has reached a total of 16,736 calls responded to, 2,273 assisted arrests and an average response time of 96.66 seconds from dispatch to on-scene arrival.^[2]

In addition to speed, drones offer a unique aerial perspective and allow public safety professionals to understand the extent of the incident, identify potential hazards and allocate resources more effectively. This improved situational awareness helps first responders make informed decisions, while enhancing the safety of both citizens and personnel.

Enabling Search and Rescue Missions

SAR operations often involve difficult terrains and adverse weather conditions. These challenges have seen a remarkable transformation with the integration of drones. Drones can cover vast areas quickly and efficiently, greatly improving the chances of locating missing persons or survivors.

For example, the Weber County Search and Rescue (WCSAR) has taken a significant stride towards augmenting safety and efficiency through the establishment of a Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) program which provides invaluable aerial support to ground personnel. Prior to the sUAS program, the average search time for a person in distress was 4 hours and 35 minutes. Since the program’s inception, this time has been drastically reduced to 58 minutes.^[3] These statistics underscore the impact of UAS technology on SAR operations, greatly enhancing response times and ultimately increasing the chances of successful outcomes.

Offering More Efficient and Effective Investigations

Accident investigations play a crucial role in determining the causes and contributing factors behind incidents, especially for traffic-related mishaps. Drones equipped with 3D mapping technology have revolutionized manual measurements and reconstructions by creating accurate digital reconstructions of accident scenes in record time. With a drone, a process that sometimes can take 6-8 hours by investigators can be accomplished in 3-4.^[4]

What sets this modern approach apart is its data-driven essence. Drones, armed with their high-resolution cameras and advanced sensors, facilitate the collection of intricate data from accident scenes. This wealth of information serves as the bedrock for constructing precise digital reconstructions, offering investigators unprecedented insights into the unfolding of events. The Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Office in Indiana reported a 60% reduction in overall scene time thanks to UAS deployment, allowing them to efficiently measure an 800-foot scene in just 22 minutes.^[5]

Similarly, the Oro Valley Police Department in Arizona and the Houston Fire Department in Texas witnessed significant improvements in incident response times, with the former achieving a 32% reduction in roadway and incident clearance times, and the latter experiencing a 40% reduction in scene time, ultimately enhancing safety and efficiency in their operations.^[6]

Looking Ahead

The journey of drones from being mere recreational gadgets to becoming indispensable tools for the public safety community has been truly remarkable. With advancements in technology, it can be expected that drones will become even more sophisticated and versatile in the future. The potential for integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance drone capabilities, such as real-time object recognition or predictive analytics, holds exciting possibilities for improving emergency response, SAR and accident investigations.

In the near future, industry can anticipate drones with enhanced autonomy to work in coordinated swarms, learn from past missions and employ advanced object recognition. Fully autonomous drones will include on-demand deployment, emergency alert response, target tracking, obstacle avoidance, indoor flight, AI capabilities, GPS connectivity, voice commands, patrol vehicle integration, advanced threat detection and real-time situational awareness through live feeds.^[7]

The concept of DFR and drones utilized in SAR and accident investigations is no longer a distant dream but a reality reshaping the landscape of public safety. These flying machines have proven to be first responders’ best allies, aiding them in saving lives, conducting efficient accident investigations and navigating challenging rescue missions. As regulations evolve and technology continues to advance, drones will play an even more pivotal role in protecting and defending the public.

To learn more about how Carahsoft can support your drones technology initiatives, visit our Autonomy and Robotics technology solutions portfolio.

References:

[1] “Chula Vista Police Department Drone Program,” Chula Vista Police Department, https://www.chulavistaca.gov/departments/police-department/programs/uas-drone-program

[2] “Dawn of Drones Podcast,” Dawn Zoldi, https://www.auvsi.org/dawn-drones-episode-81-miriam-foxx-captain-chula-vista-police-department

[3] Credit: Captain Kyle Nordfors, Mountain Rescue Association (MRA) UAS Chairman Weber County Sheriff’s Office (Utah) Captain – Alaska Airlines B737

[4] “Drones For Good: Saving Time And Lives With Faster Crash Scene Reconstruction,” DJI, https://www.dji.com/newsroom/news/drones-for-good-planting-crash-scene-reconstruction-photogrammetry-purdue

[5] “UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS FOR TRAFFIC INCIDENT MANAGEMENT,” U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/tim/docs/EDC-6_Factsheet_TIM_UnmannedAircraft_v2_508.pdf

[6] “Next-Generation TIM: Integrating Technology, Data, and Training,” U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/innovation/everydaycounts/edc_6/nextgen_tim.cfm

[7] “Can AI drones help protect officers in these dangerous times?,” Police 1, https://www.police1.com/officer-survival-guide/articles/can-ai-drones-help-protect-officers-in-these-dangerous-times-Ii9BujqaIeEB0hkZ/

How Agencies Can Go Deeper with Robotic Process Automation

Posted on by Chris Townsend

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) brings value in terms of data collection, aggregation and analysis, document processing, claims processing, and delivering better customer service through call center automation—exactly the kinds of functions government agencies need to perform. RPA has delivered a tremendous value to public sector organizations in back office automation, but recently state and local governments are showing interest in using RPA to address challenges intrinsic to their mission and solving larger problems in public sector.

Diving Deeper into RPA’s Capabilities

Federal, state, and local government agencies have rapidly increased their adoption of RPA, particularly recently since the pandemic is requiring employees to work from home and has created significant backlogs. State governments, in particular, have used RPA in areas such as unemployment claims, SNAP program claims, HHS, Department of Motor Vehicles processes, and many other sectors.

RPA adoption follows a predictable pattern. Agencies initially automate back office functions, such as HR, finance, IT services, supply chain, etc. Once staff understand the technology’s time to value and see how easy it is to implement, they often expand its use to include operations, direct customer service and support, claims, and document processing—and eventually expand it into mission automation.

Ultimately staff creates a demand across the agency where multiple functional areas all are starting to roll out their own RPA environments—perhaps under the supervision of the IT department or a Center of Excellence. At that point, agencies begin to view RPA not as a set of technology tools, but as a true enterprise capability that can drive enterprise scale. Such agencies want to have an operating model, governance, and plan to prioritize how to get the greatest value from their automation in the shortest period of time.

Government agencies tend to be very judicious and intentional in their vetting and adoption of new technology, but the RPA technology has been quickly adopted at enterprise scale. Procurement processes that usually take 24 to 36 months are sometimes less than a year. Very large federal and state agencies have deployed RPA much more quickly than other technologies—testifying to RPA’s ease of use and simplicity as well as its incredible value.

AI in the Workplace of the Future

Government staff have been trying to figure out how to deploy AI in a meaningful way, allowing employees to work more efficiently and better serve constituents. RPA is the gateway for easy and meaningful AI use. Agencies can build AI and machine learning into an RPA workflow for an image or document, process steps in a claim, implementation of a chat bot, assistance in a call center, etc. For example, RPA working with AI can read a claim document (even handwritten ones), make sure it’s valid, check it in multiples systems, and ensure it is sent to the right person.

Effective AI requires data collection and aggregation, making decisions with large amounts of data. But the data must be normalized, cleaned, standardized, and error-free—processes RPA can perform. RPA can reach into those datasets, clean the data, aggregate it from various locations, feed it into an AI model, and then take action based on the information that is produced.

Addressing Fraud, Waste and Abuse

AI in conjunction with RPA can save government organizations billions of dollars. Much of today’s waste, fraud, and abuse auditing is done after money has already been sent—since governments are required to pay out claims within a certain amount of time. Agencies do not have enough people to analyze all the payments to ensure accuracy, so the claims are audited post-payment to determine if they are valid. With automation and AI, agencies can examine many more of the claims than would be possible manually. This allows a thorough and proactive process that eliminates fraud before the claims are paid.

RPA for Help Desks

Many agencies are migrating on-premises help desks to cloud-based systems. This is often a manual effort and very time-consuming because agencies must run systems in parallel for longer than they expect, requiring them to pay for maintenance and infrastructure for multiple systems.

However, agencies can realize a greater ROI on their cloud investment by automating much of that transition process. RPA can automate the actual integration between the two systems during the migration while also doing handoffs from the on-prem system to the cloud system; this facilitates internal customer service tickets on the legacy system as they’re migrated to the new system.

A Robot for Every Person

RPA is so intuitive that employees who are closest to the work and who actually process the workflows have the ability to build their own automations: a robot for every person. Once agency staff understand RPA’s ease of use and the time of value, they start to devise new ideas to drive efficiencies. It empowers the workforce and dramatically improves morale.

This technology could be deployed on every desktop within the government, essentially giving every employee a digital assistant that can automate repetitive, mundane tasks. If you can save each employee a few minutes a day and scale that across the entire agency, the savings are hundreds of millions of dollars. “A robot for every person” is a powerful idea that more and more public sector organizations are exploring.

Download our resource to find out why agencies are overwhelmingly using RPA vendor UiPath’s seamless integration as they incorporate digital technologies such as chatbots, ML, and AI.

| Carahsoft

Category Archives: Autonomy and Robotics Technology