Robotics Research Center Attends ThunderDrone

SOFWERX in collaboration with the Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO), began the second ThunderDrone Rapid Prototyping Event (RPE) with a Technology Expo at the SOFWERX facility in Ybor City, Florida. More than 220 industrial and 240 government personnel attended. 91 vendors presented their technologies in hopes of forming design and build teams, which will present their prototypes during the experimentation and outdoor demonstrations. ThunderDrone focuses on Counter Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-SUAS). The expo welcomes participants to showcase their capabilities that address any of the following C-SUAS phases: detect, locate, identify, track, exploit, defeat, assess. ThunderDrone’s main focus is solutions that permanently defeat drones and drone capabilities, but will also evaluate all new technologies. Key technologies of interest include autonomous functionality, mobility, discrimination, and multiple target engagement. Multiple departments and centers across USMA are developing C-UAS technologies through capstones, independent studies, and faculty research.