Smart Sourcing for Unmanned Systems
Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
On 16-17 October, the national cultural heritage site of Elektrárňa Piešťany hosted the 3rd annual international conference of DRONTEX 2024, organized by the Mám Dron Association.
Across the two days, 37 speakers from 11 countries presented news in unmanned aerial systems (UAS) development and the use of drones in industry and services, as well as covering the risks and threats associated with the technology.
The event was held in a hybrid format for the first time, with 200 guests in the room and a similar number of viewers watching an online stream of the event.
Event Highlights
The conference was opened by host Ján Mečiar, together with the Director of the Mám Dron Association, Rastislav Sopko. Participants were greeted by the Ambassador of the event Ivan Bella, and the Chairman of the Trnava Self-Governing Region, Jozef Viskupič.
Unmanned Traffic Management
The floor was then given to experts on unmanned traffic management (UTM) from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), Eurocontrol, the European Commission, and the Air Navigation Services of the Czech Republic.
This was followed by the presentation of Marek Krnáč with the Regional Innovation and Development Agency (KIRA), presenting the potential applications of drones in the scope of self-governing regions.
BVLOS Operations
The current trend in use of unmanned aerial technologies are operations beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS). This was affirmed by speakers presenting on the possibilities of monitoring energy systems, underground or confined spaces, as well as the use of drones in space exploration, to create digital twins, and for light show events.
UAS Research & Development
The next block of the program dealt with research and development of UAS.
Scientists from various education institutions based in Denmark, Sweden, and Germany introduced their projects on the use of drones in climate change research, atmospheric measurements, and advanced BVLOS operations.
At the end of the first day, the conference participants were invited to attend a gala dinner, providing an opportunity for networking.
Drones in the Context of Security Challenges
Drones are a major security threat, but also a tool of protection against various dangers. This was demonstrated in presentations from representatives of government institutions and private companies, focusing on the development and manufacture of anti-drone systems, drones for military purposes, and software solutions for management of special missions.
The conference participants were also greeted by the Polish Ambassador to Slovakia, Piotr Samerek, who stressed the importance of international cooperation.
The program also focused on the use of AI in security application, utilization of drones in monitoring of public gatherings and events, insurance of drones in Slovakia, as well as personal data protection related to use of drones.
Marek Náhlik, Director of R-SYS, commented, “Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) play a key role and have become an integral part of our defence strategies in the tense security situation we live in now. In order to be able to successfully integrate the technologies into operations, it is necessary to establish standards and systems allowing their flexible adaptation to the rapidly changing security needs.
“At the same time, it is necessary to develop solutions which will be able to effectively cooperate and communicate with the current airspace management and control systems, what is something also our company is working on.”
Rastislav Sopko, Director of the Mám Dron Association, added, “The DRONTEX 2024 conference has once again offered a venue for presenting news in the area of unmanned aerial systems and for interconnecting experts from various countries. We are glad that this year, we could welcome not only attendees in the room, but also online. I would also like to thank all our partners, as without them, we would not be able to pull it off.”
