Oceans Unmanned, Inc. has launched a new program called ECO-Drone, for Environmentally Conscious Operations, to address concerns surrounding UAS possibly disrupting wildlife in a variety of remote habitats. Acute or chronic disturbances can have a significant impact on the health and fitness of different species, by throwing off migratory patterns, breeding, feeding, or sheltering. To address these potential issues, ECO-Drone works with federal and state agencies, industry, and education institutions to “develop and communicate “best practices” to minimize or eliminate resource disturbance issues due to scientific or recreational drone operations.”

The University of California, Davis’ (UC Davis) Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC) has deployed an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) to evaluate how climate change is affecting Lake Tahoe. Deployed earlier this month, the AUV, commonly known as a glider, will coast 150 meters under Lake Tahoe’s surface, taking measurements as it goes back and forth. “It will continuously seesaw, or what we call yo-yo,” says UC Davis professor and researcher Alex Forrest, through KCRA.com.

The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) is coming to South Florida, and we are having a party to celebrate! If you are into drones, robots, rovers, or other unmanned or autonomous systems, this is one event you will not want to miss. Come join members of AUVSI's Florida Peninsula Chapter as we formally dedicate the new Miami Satellite Chapter representing everything unmanned throughout all of South Florida, Latin America, the Caribbean, and beyond! We've picked the legendary 94th Aero Squadron next to Miami International Airport as the backdrop for this historic event, and we pay hommage to past and current aviation, as we chart a new course into the future.