GISCafe Weekly Review : April 26, 2024

At the recent Xponential 2024 Conference, I had the pleasure of speaking with Hansol Hong, the CEO of Robolink, a company at the forefront of integrating drones into STEM education. Founded over a decade ago, Robolink has made significant strides in making STEM learning exciting and practical by using drones as a primary teaching tool.

CoDrone EDU

Robolink’s impact is substantial, with their programs currently being implemented in approximately 4,000 U.S. schools and expanding globally. Hansol explained that their educational approach uses drones to teach coding and robotics in a practical, hands-on way that resonates with students. “When students program our drones, they see their code come to life as the drones move according to their instructions,” Hansol said. This dynamic method of learning not only engages students but also helps them understand complex concepts in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

The Robolink curriculum includes both hardware—the drones and their accessories—and the software needed to program them. Moreover, the company provides comprehensive learning materials for both students and teachers, ensuring that educators are well-prepared to guide their students through the coursework.

At the recent Xponential 2024 conference in San Diego, key industry and regulatory figures discussed the future of aviation, focusing on the integration of emerging technologies like drones and eVTOLs (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft) into existing airspace systems. The conference emphasized the need for cohesive strategies and safety standards to realize this next era of aviation successfully.

Matt Land from Eve Air Mobility highlighted the strides his company is making in urban air mobility. Eve, a spin-off from the world’s third-largest aircraft manufacturer, is not only developing eVTOLs but also rolling out software solutions like Vector for urban air traffic management. With nearly 1,000 employees, Eve is slated to bring its eVTOLs into service by 2026, underscoring the importance of favorable legislation at all governmental levels to support initial operations and growth.

Legislative Hurdles and Opportunities in the Evolving Aviation Industry

As the aviation industry stands on the precipice of a significant transformation with the introduction of drones and eVTOLs, legislative support and regulatory clarity are crucial. However, the path to harmonizing existing laws with emerging technologies is fraught with challenges and opportunities. A closer look at the legislative landscape reveals the intricate dynamics at play.