Leadership and Ecosystem Alignment
Michael Robbins leads AUVSI with a focus on one team mentality, active communication, and service. These are not abstract principles. They translate into how decisions are made and how progress happens across a complex, multi stakeholder environment. A one team mentality reinforces accountability and resilience. Active communication builds trust through clarity and transparency. Service focuses attention on solving real problems rather than avoiding them.
This approach is necessary in an industry where defense, commercial, and civil stakeholders must operate in alignment. The autonomy ecosystem is not fragmented by design, but it becomes fragmented without coordination. AUVSI plays a central role in helping these groups solve shared challenges related to adoption, scalability, and operational integration. Progress depends on connecting technical capability with policy, and policy with real world use.
One of the most important policy issues shaping the future of autonomy is Beyond Visual Line of Sight operations. Today, most drone operations in the United States are limited by Part 107 requirements, which restrict flights to within visual line of sight unless a waiver is granted. The waiver process is time consuming and inconsistent, which prevents scalable deployment.
A standardized BVLOS framework would enable broader use cases across public safety, infrastructure inspection, disaster response, and logistics. The technology is already capable of supporting these missions. The limiting factor is regulatory clarity.
AUVSI has been actively engaged with the FAA through the Aviation Rulemaking Committee process, and the industry is now approaching a proposed rule that could significantly accelerate adoption. At the same time, public acceptance remains a critical factor. Adoption will depend on clear communication of real world benefits, not just technical performance.
Cybersecurity is also becoming a core requirement as systems scale. Programs like Trusted Cyber and Green UAS are helping define standards that ensure systems can be trusted across defense and commercial applications. This is not optional. It is foundational to long term growth.
Michael Robbins Guest ON Circle Optics Podcast
AUVSI Empire State and Regional Leadership
While national policy and global markets shape the direction of autonomy, regional ecosystems play a critical role in execution. The AUVSI Empire State Chapter serves as a hub for collaboration across industry, research, and government in New York.
The chapter provides access to regulatory updates, technical developments, and peer networks that support both emerging and established companies. It also creates a platform for aligning stakeholders around shared priorities, which is essential in a rapidly evolving industry.
Under the leadership of Kara Jones, President, Jennifer Sertl, Vice President, and Ryan Pleskach, Treasurer, the chapter is focused on strengthening New York’s position in autonomy while supporting responsible growth across sectors. This work helps connect innovation to deployment and ensures that regional capabilities contribute to national progress.
For Circle Optics, engagement in this ecosystem reinforces the importance of alignment across technology, policy, and market needs. The future of autonomy will be shaped by how well these elements come together in practice.
