Drone Radio Show: Daily Summaries Delivered

Smart Materials and the Rise of Ornithopters: Dr. Onur Bilgen, Rutgers University

Dr. Onur Bilgen is Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Rutgers University. Dr. Bilgen conducts research in the design of advanced drone systems, including fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, hybrid drone systems, and bioinspired ornithopters — flapping wing drones modeled after the flight of birds and insects. His work also explores the use of smart materials and innovative aerospace system designs. Onur has led NASA University Student Research Challenge projects, including the development of a Multi-Mode Hybrid Unmanned Delivery System. He also teaches a graduate course at Rutgers called Drones: Fundamentals and Applications and has helped expand drone education and testing capabilities through initiatives like the Rutgers Drone Playground and the Buehler Drone Lab's VICON Motion Tracking System. In this episode, we'll talk about the future of flapping wing drones, the role of smart materials in next-generation aircraft design, and how bioinspired engineering could influence the next wave of unmanned aviation innovation.

Inside the Future of Drones: Policy, Security, and What XPONENTIAL 2026 Reveals – with Michael Robbins, AUVSI

Michael Robbins is President and CEO of Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International or AUVSI, the world's largest trade association for uncrewed systems, robotics, and autonomous technologies. Representing both commercial and defense sectors, AUVSI plays a critical role in connecting industry, influencing policy, and helping define how these technologies are deployed at scale. Michael brings deep experience across government, aviation, and advocacy. He previously served as Chief Advocacy Officer at AUVSI, co-founded the consulting firm Intrepid, and held leadership roles at the Air Line Pilots Association, where he led aviation safety, security, and government affairs. He also spent a decade on Capitol Hill as Chief of Staff to Congressman John Dingell, and continues to serve as an Officer in the United States Navy Reserve. In this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Michael talks about the real forces shaping the uncrewed systems industry, from supply chain security and regulatory bottlenecks to the growing influence of defense priorities, and what it all means for the future of autonomy. We'll also take a closer look at XPONENTIAL 2026 and why it remains a key signal for where the industry is heading. Xponential 2026 will be held in Detroit on May 11 - May 14.

Persistent Flight in the Stratosphere - Justin Selfridge, Phd. and CEO of Devorto

Justin Selfridge, PhD, is Founder and CEO of Devorto Corporation. Devorto is developing a breakthrough high-altitude platform called the Tethered Uni-Rotor Network, or TURN—a completely new aircraft architecture designed to combine the vertical lift and loitering capability of a helicopter with the aerodynamic efficiency of an airplane, enabling long-duration, solar-powered flight in the stratosphere. At Devorto, leads the development of this next-generation persistent drone technology. Backed by both private investment and government support from organizations like NASA, the U.S. Air Force, and the U.S. Space Force, Justin and his team are working to redefine how we think about high-altitude operations, with the potential to disrupt both satellite and traditional aerial platform markets. In this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Justin talks about why the stratosphere is such a critical domain for future aviation systems, how the TURN platform works and what makes it different from anything we've seen before, and the real-world applications and impact this technology could have across commercial and defense sectors.

Uncrewed Systems in the Arctic: Security, Surveillance, and NATO's Growing Role - Federico Borsari, CEPA

Protecting Stadiums in the Age of Drone Incursions: Melissa Swisher, CRO at SkySafe

Making Autonomous Cargo Work at Real-World Scale: Charles Acknin, CEO Skyways

Securing the Skies: Detecting and Responding to Drone Threats - Logan Harris, CEO Spotter Global

Defending the Skies: Oklahoma State University's Mission to Counter Emerging Drone Threats: Dr. Jamey Jacobs, Exe Director of OAIRE