Elon Drone Day showcases emerging technology, explores future of AI - Elon University
By Google News AI ·
The School of Communications' annual event brought together nearly 160 registrants to explore artificial intelligence, agricultural applications and the expanding capabilities of drone technology.
Hovering over a stormwater management pond behind Elon University’s Schar Center, an agricultural drone demonstrated how unmanned aircraft are changing the way farmers manage their fields.
Capable of carrying more than 10 gallons of liquid, the aircraft was presented by Preston Cave of PAC Aerial Applications during the 2026 Elon Drone Day on Oct. 30. From crop spraying and fertilizer applications to autonomous navigation powered by artificial intelligence, the annual gathering highlighted the diverse uses of drone technology.
Nearly 160 people registered for the School of Communications event, which brought together industry professionals, educators, students and drone enthusiasts for presentations, demonstrations and networking.
Since 2021, Elon Drone Day has become an annual gathering for North Carolina’s drone community. Organized by Teaching Professor of Visual Communication Randy Piland in partnership with the North Carolina chapter of the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (NC AUVSI), the event welcomed representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration, North Carolina Department of Transportation, several universities and private companies.
This year’s program emphasized artificial intelligence, with Sambit Bhattacharya, professor of computer science and director of the Intelligent Systems Lab at Fayetteville State University, delivering the keynote address, “Preflight Checks for Intelligent Machines: What Drones Can Teach Us About Trustworthy AI.”
Bhattacharya explained that aviation’s emphasis on safety, testing and accountability…
Originally published by Google News AI