The Drone Radio Show is a weekly show about drones and the people who use them for business, fun and research. Our guests share how they're using drones to make a positive impact, build a business, lessons they've learned and insights that you can use to take YOUR interest in drones to the next level.
Matt McCrann is U.S. CEO of SPARC AI. SPARC AI develops software that enables precision navigation and target acquisition for drones and autonomous systems operating in GPS-denied environments. Its flagship platform, Overwatch, is a software-only, hardware-agnostic solution that transforms the sensors already onboard a drone into a resilient positioning system—without requiring additional…
Michael Abdelmaseh is Head Engineer at PyroDelta Energy. Pyrodelta has spent nearly a decade cracking a problem that stumped the entire thermoelectric industry. The company's patented Capillary Casting process produces solid-state thermoelectric generators that convert waste heat into clean, stable electricity across applications spanning AI data centers, combustion engines, agriculture, and…
Mike Horton is CEO and co-founder of HYFIX, a Santa Clara company developing U.S.-made positioning, navigation, communications, and computing technology for autonomous systems. The company's H1P platform integrates flight control, positioning, communications, and onboard compute into a single architecture. HYFIX is also working on resilient navigation technologies designed for environments where…
Ryan Bracken is Head of Product and Security at Versaterm. Versaterm is a leading provider of public safety software that helps police, fire, EMS, and emergency communications agencies manage every stage of incident response. Its integrated platform combines computer-aided dispatch, records management, mobile data, real-time intelligence, and analytics to improve operational efficiency and…
Lavera Alexander is Chief Growth Officer at the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MPED). MBEP is a cross-sector nonprofit that convenes business, government, education, and community leaders to drive economic growth across the tri-county Monterey Bay region, and it sits at the heart of what may be the highest concentration of advanced air mobility companies anywhere in the United States. For…
Ryan Smith id Founder and CEO of Titan Protection and Consulting. Titan Protection is a premier security services provider and pioneer in autonomous drone security systems. The company was founded in 2008 to prove that physical security services could be both more effective and affordable. Today, Titan Protection employs over 600 people, and protects hundreds of companies across the Midwest with…
Linda Montgomery is V ice- President of Corporate Development, and Phil Franklin is V ice- President of Business Development for North and South America both at Zenatech. Zenatech is rapidly expanding its footprint across the drone industry through manufacturing, software development, drone as a service, operations, and strategic acquisitions. The company develops autonomous drone platforms for…
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…
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…
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…
Federico Borsari is a Non-Resident Fellow with the Transatlantic Defense and Security Program at the Center for European Policy Analysis, or CEPA for short. The Center for European Policy Analysis is a nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy institution headquartered in Washington, DC, with hubs in London and Brussels. The organization focuses on strengthening the transatlantic alliance through…
Melissa Swisher is Chief Revenue Officer at SkySafe, a company delivering the intelligence organizations need to detect, analyze, and act in today's increasingly complex airspace environment. SkySafe specializes in airspace intelligence — providing real-time drone detection, analytics, and forensic capabilities that help organizations determine whether a drone is authorized, where it originated,…
Charles Acknin is Co-Founder and CEO of Skyways. Skyways is building unmanned aircraft systems designed to revolutionize autonomous cargo transportation. Unlike many competitors still in development, Skyways' aircraft are operational today — carrying meaningful payloads over significant distances for both military and commercial customers. Based in Austin, Skyways is now shifting toward mass…
Logan Harris is CEO, President, and Founder of Spotter Global —a company specializing in compact radar and drone detection technologies. Spotter Global imagines, designs, manufactures, and coordinates the software development of compact surveillance radars, Remote Drone ID, NetworkedIO command and control, and its Integrated Management Center. The company was originally founded to meet the needs…
Dr. Jamey Jacob is Executive Director of the Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education and the Williams Chair in Energy Technology at Oklahoma State University. Under his leadership, OSU launched the Counter-UAS Center of Excellence , now the nation's central hub for coordinated research, development, testing and evaluation of counter-drone systems. Working closely with the Joint…
Bill Lakeland is CEO of Spexi, the world's largest decentralized drone imagery network. Spexi provides a scalable, sustainable, and cost-efficient alternative to traditional Earth imaging methods, with its network of drone pilots delivering detailed, near-real-time imagery to support disaster preparedness, smart city planning, AI model training, and gaming applications. The network has mapped over…
In this special anniversary episode of the Drone Radio Show podcast, I reflect on a decade of conversations that have helped shape and document the evolution of the drone industry. Since 2015, the Drone Radio Show has featured 446 interviews with the pioneers, innovators, regulators, and changemakers redefining what drones can do. I revisit the major themes that emerged—from commercial adoption…
Bryan Bockmon is CEO of AimLock—a company pushing the boundaries of defense autonomy with real-world solutions that enhance mission effectiveness and save lives. Founded in 2013, AimLock is a U.S.-based developer of advanced autonomous targeting and engagement systems for defense applications. Their Core Targeting Modules—or CTMs —are designed to deliver decision-accelerating autonomy across a…
Geoff Hitchcock ia Chief Revenue Officer at Red Cat Holdings, and Matt Vogt ia Chief Revenue Officer at Palladyne AI. Red Cat is a cutting-edge drone technology company delivering advanced hardware and integrated software solutions for military, government, and commercial applications. Palladyne AI develops next-generation artificial intelligence software that brings autonomy and smart…
Brett Kanda is Director of Drone as First Responder Sales at Flock Safety. Flock Safety is a leading safety technology platform that helps communities thrive by taking a proactive approach to crime prevention and public security. Flock's end-to-end suite of hardware and software connects cities, law enforcement agencies, businesses, schools, and neighborhoods into a nationwide public-private…
Craig Malloy is CEO of Arix Technologies, a Houston-based company specializing in robotic solutions for inspecting corrosion under insulation—or CUI—in industrial piping systems. While we often focus on aerial drones on this podcast, some environments call for a different approach. That's where Arix's flagship product, the VENUS robotic crawler, comes in. Designed to traverse both horizontal and…
Michael Hill is Program Manager of College Workforce Programs at the Unmanned Safety Institute. The Unmanned Safety Institute or USI is an approved training partner of ASTM International and the International Business Aviation Council. The Institute is dedicated to improving safety in unmanned aviation by applying time-honored aviation safety practices to unmanned aircraft systems. USI…
Mike Fraietta is Co-Founder of Gargoyle Systems, a leader in drone detection technology that delivers real-time aerial threat intelligence to security professionals, businesses, and homeowners. With advanced detection capabilities and seamless integration, Gargoyle Systems enables proactive protection against unauthorized drone activity. The company is currently building America's first…
Stéphane Timpano is CEO of ASPIRE, the program management and business development arm of the Advanced Technology Research Council located in Abu Dhabi. The ATRC's mission is to build a vibrant research and development ecosystem that supports Abu Dhabi—and the broader UAE—in its transformation into a knowledge-based economy. With nearly 1,300 employees representing over 80 nationalities, the…
Dawn Zoldi is CEO and Founder of P3 Tech Consulting and Publisher of Autonomy Global. P3 Tech is an internationally recognized company that provides consulting, content, and education on emerging technologies, with a special focus on legal and regulatory issues in autonomous systems. The company is best known for its award-winning Dawn of Autonomy podcast (formerly Dawn of Drones ) and its global…
Lori DeMatteis is Chief Revenue Officer of Matrix Space. MatrixSpace is a leading technology company specializing in advanced radar systems that deliver real-time situational awareness for uncrewed and autonomous systems. Their compact, lightweight radars offer precise detection and tracking, making them ideal for drones, advanced air mobility (AAM), public safety, and critical infrastructure. By…
Kaitlyn Albertoli is CEO and co-founder of Buzz Solutions. Buzz Solutions leverages AI and drone technology to revolutionize how power utilities inspect and modernize their infrastructure. The company's innovative software platform, featuring tools like PowerAI and PowerGUARD, uses advanced data analytics and machine learning to automate visual inspections, enhancing the safety, efficiency, and…
Kevin Hernandez and Dutch Alessi are from Virtual Reality Rehab, or VRR. Founded in 2009, VRR is a pioneering research and development company with a bold mission: harnessing virtual and augmented reality technologies to push boundaries. With over 20 years of collective experience, their team specializes in creating innovative, multiplatform solutions for unmanned vehicle systems, advanced…
Kraettli Epperso6 is CEO of Vigilant Aerospace Systems, a leading developer of multi-sensor detect-and-avoid and airspace management software for uncrewed aircraft systems, enabling safe and scalable beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations. Their flagship product, FlightHorizon™ , is built on two NASA patents and integrates data from multiple sources to provide real-time air traffic awareness and…
Bill Irby is the CEO of AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. AgEagle is a global technology leader specializing in enhancing situational awareness through advanced robotics solutions. The company focuses on providing autonomous drones designed to tackle mission-critical challenges with high-value solutions. Founded in 2010, AgEagle initially pioneered professional-grade, fixed-wing drones and aerial…
Jackie Dujmovic is founder and CEO of Australian based Hover UAV. Hover UAV is a trailblazer in the drone industry, helping clients advance their operations and navigate the complexities of drone regulations. By understanding each client's unique needs, the team creates customized procedures, documentation, and policies to ensure success in this fast-growing field. Whether it's a client's first…
Arcady Shteynberg and Eddie Benett are with the Omada Group. Omada was formed to take the best, most forward thinking ideas and technology to the public space. A partnership of several companies, Omada brings UAV, technology, rescue, training, consulting, and other innovations into one centralized business hub. The company's goal is to find the right-fit solution to address a company's biggest…
Dylan Hamm is Chief Technology Officer at PDW. PDW is a cutting-edge drone technology company revolutionizing small robotics for military and government operations. Their mission is to democratize air support, empowering and protecting those who serve. PDW produces air vehicles, autonomous and AI software, as well as countermeasures in areas like electronic warfare, communications, and GPS denial.…
Mary-Lou Smulders is Chief Marketing Officer at Dedrone. Dedrone is a world leader in smart airspace security. Hundreds of commercial, government and military customers around the world rely on Dedrone's comprehensive, command and control solution to protect against the persistent and escalating threat from drones while enabling "good" drones to fly. By leveraging AI/ML, Dedrone is the only…
Beth Flippo is CEO of Drone Express. Drone Express is an innovative aviation company disrupting last-mile logistics by embracing autonomous flight. Founded in 2021, the company uses drones to deliver safe, reliable, autonomous, eco-friendly packages nationwide to customers. They have secured strategic nationwide corporate partnerships with The Kroger Company, Papa John's International, Winsupply,…
Juan Plaza is CEO of Plaza Aerospace, a Boca Raton based consulting company specializing in crewed and uncrewed aviation, Latin American Business Development and GIS consulting. The company helps organizations reach their goals faster by selecting the right platforms and implementing the best deployment practices. Prior to forming Plaza Aerospace in 2015, Juan spent more than 26 years as a Sales…
Amol Parikh is co-CEO of Doodle Labs. Doodle Labs designs and produces industrial-grade wireless networking solutions. The company focuses on mesh networking for robotic systems, providing high throughput, long-range Mesh Rider solutions for a variety of government/defense, private wireless and other applications. Doodle Labs has offices in the United States and Singapore, and has been named to…
Today's guests are Oliver Heys and James Bassam of Surf Life Saving. Surf Life Saving is Australia's premier water safety, drowning prevention, and rescue organization. With 129 Surf Life Saving Clubs and over 77,000 members, it's one of the largest not-for-profit volunteer movements in Australia, dedicated to saving lives on the beach. A standout feature within Surf Life Saving is the Australian…
Bill Irby is CEO of AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc., a global technology innovator focused on enhancing situational awareness. The company provides customer-centric, advanced robotics solutions, beginning with autonomous drones that are high-value and solve mission-critical problems. Founded in 2010, AgEagle was originally formed to pioneer proprietary, professional-grade, fixed-winged drones and…
Chris Sanders is Senior Manager for Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team. The Crisis Response Team is a national, rapid deploy, professionally trained team who solve routine and complex communication challenges in all environments. This team of multi-disciplinary provide on-demand emergency assistance to government agencies, first responders, frontline workers and communities—to help maintain…
Arthur Erickson is CEO and Founder of Hylio Drones. Hylio develops and offers innovative drone systems that automate precision agriculture treatments. Hylio is American owned and operated, and its drones are made in the USA with US and globally sourced components. Using Hylio's technology, farmers/producers can now apply crop treatments directly to problem areas, allowing farmers to increase…
How effective are drones in monitoring coastal areas? Mathieu Johnsson is CEO and Founder of Marble, a drone services company in England that provides maritime monitoring using fleets of high speed drones. The drones are used to monitor coastal areas for illegal fishing, drug trafficking, and human trafficking, providing real time data to suit clients needs. Mathieu Johnsson's passion for…
How are advanced drone technologies revolutionizing global delivery systems? For that question, we head to San Francisco to speak with Keenan Wyrobek and Juan Albanell of Zipline. Zipline is the world's first drone delivery service whose focus is delivering life-saving medicine to the most difficult to reach places on earth. The company designs, manufactures and operates the world's largest…
George Matus is CEO and founder of Teal Drones, a trailblazing U.S. company at the forefront of innovative drone technology for both commercial and military applications. With advancements in air control, data processing, and mapping technologies, Teal is revolutionizing operations for the military, public safety, and various commercial sectors. Its flagship Teal 2 Drone is a model of security,…
How do we take control of truly dangerous drone situation? Jeffrey Starr is Chief Marketing Officer at D-Fend Solutions. D-Fend Solutions is the leading global provider of cyber-takeover, counter-drone solutions for sensitive and challenging environments. By focusing on the acute drone threat, their technology enables organizations around the world to maintain full control, safety, and continuity…
How is drone technology making STEM education more accessible and fun for students of all background? Rob Harvey is Executive Chairman and Cofounder of For the Win Robotics. For The Win Robotics fosters critical thinking and lifelong curiosity through the power of experiential STEM and computer science education. With its Build – Fly - Code program, the company has developed an innovative…
Amit Ganjoo is a serial entrepreneur and Founder and CEO of ANRA Technologies, an Award Winning Drone Operations and UAS Traffic Managment Platform provider based in Washington DC. The company's platform is used by multiple commercial and government entities for running and managing commercial drone operations. As advance air mobility efforts accelerate and the use of air taxis becomes a reality,…
Louisa Smith is Chief Aviation Officer at Apian, a healthcare logistics company founded by a team of National Health Service doctors in the United Kingdom. The Apian platform integrates both healthcare and aviation systems, creating a fully autonomous, on-demand delivery system that improves patient health outcomes and staff well-being. The autonomous drone delivery service will provide timely…
Eric Allison is Chief Product Officer at Joby Aviation. Joby builds quiet, all-electric aircraft to connect people like never before. With up to 150 miles of range and the ability to take off and land vertically, the Joby aircraft will change the way people move while reducing the acoustic and climate footprint of flight. Their long-term vision is to build a global passenger service that helps the…
How will smaller, more powerful radar sensors change the way drones are used in first responder programs? David Cameron ia Field Services Engineer and Lead UAS Pilot at MatrixSpace . MatrixSpace is a radar sensing company that produces the next generation of AI-enabled sensing that can identify objects and collect data in real time, with no cloud requirements. The company builds the smallest radar…