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/

A Two-Step Framework for Securing and Monitoring Military Drone Networks

Posted on by Brandon Shopp

In the coming years, the Department of Defense (DoD) will spend billions of dollars on unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), which will include the expansion of the fleet through the Blue UAS effort, training, and maintenance. Drones and autonomous vehicles perform a variety of tasks in the battlespace, including mine-sweeping, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and search and rescue operations. However, there are challenges to monitoring the security and performance of these mobile endpoints—and the complex 5G networks they depend on.

How, then, can federal IT pros reap the benefits of UAS and 5G while bolstering the DoD’s IT infrastructure to realize those advantages without consequence? The answer is to introduce a two-fold focus within this ever-evolving environment.

Build a Robust, Layered UAS Security Framework

From the manufacturing process through to deployment, drones are a lucrative target for nefarious actors seeking to disrupt operations, damage infrastructure, and cause bodily harm. Common tactics include injecting malicious code into UAS parts, using GPS spoofing to hijack a drone mid-flight, and hacking communications between the drone and controller and breaching sensitive data.

Mitigating these threats requires a layered approach. This starts with basic security hygiene, including strong passwords, data encryption, and the use of automatic push update software to ensure software stays current and vulnerabilities are addressed in a timely manner.

But some hackers have the expertise to bypass this first line of defense. To combat this, military units must layer in more advanced measures. For example, snap-on deception technology can obscure the location of a drone and pilot. In addition, if a drone is lost or captured, cyber-hardening modules can protect against data exfiltration, erase log files, and shut the drone down.

Machine learning (ML) algorithms can also be leveraged to learn from drone flight patterns and behavior and flag anything deemed suspicious. Sophisticated ML and security information and event management (SIEM) tools can even continuously monitor drone-to-base communication for a complete understanding of the security status of UAS devices and network connections—in near real time.

Gain End-to-End Observability of Hybrid 5G Networks

UAS operating on next-generation 5G wireless technology benefit from various advantages, such as unlimited bandwidth for uninterrupted control and high-speed transmission of image and video. 5G also offers security benefits. These networks can be designed to route traffic through an IP tunnel encrypted by default. Plus, additional security features can be layered on top without slowing the network.

However, 5G also brings increased complexity and visibility challenges. 5G networks comprise cloud and virtualized environments incredibly difficult to configure, monitor, and manage at scale using disparate legacy tools. As a result, IT teams risk drowning in a sea of alerts and disjointed analytics and may lack actionable insights to quickly identify, prioritize, and resolve issues.

To solve the challenges of 5G’s hybrid reality, military organizations must shift from a reactive to proactive IT posture and go beyond conventional monitoring. The best way to get a handle on connected UAS is to use single-pane-of-glass monitoring coupled with actionable intelligence delivering greater visibility, dependency insights, and operational predictability into everything connected to the network. With this automated toolset, they can visualize the entire 5G hybrid environment, reduce alert fatigue, accelerate issue resolution, and eliminate tool sprawl.

Finally, because encryption is a key capability of 5G networks, it can erode observability and insights into malicious activity, such as malware originating from a suspicious IP or connected UAS. Network architects should consider advanced traffic analysis strategies capable of segmenting encrypted traffic, decrypting it, inspecting it, and re-encrypting it—continuously and in real time—without compromising classified data.

Turning Challenges Into Possibilities

The distributed nature of UAS and 5G technologies is a complex challenge for the DoD that increases the attack surface and demands end-to-end oversight.

Fortunately, as these technologies have advanced, so has observability, helping federal IT pros gain deep, holistic visibility into hybrid 5G network environments and edge UAS devices—with a low total cost of ownership.

SolarWinds Hybrid IT Observability solutions are built to fortify mission-critical services. Click here to learn more.

| Carahsoft

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