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The awards program recognized NCDOT\u2019s Drone Operations\nprogram, which significantly expanded drone use across the agency during the\npast year with operations that are more efficient, safer and less expensive\nthan traditional methods. That includes the nation\u2019s first deployment of\ntethered drones (drones attached to a cable) on Incident Management Assistance\nPatrol (IMAP) trucks in January 2022 to support incident responders. It also\nincludes the nation\u2019s first drone inspection of a bridge beyond the line of\nsight of the operator, flown under a first-ever waiver granted by the Federal\nAviation Administration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The AUVSI XCELLENCE awards recognize the accomplishments of\ncompanies, organizations, and individuals across the uncrewed systems\ncommunity. The awards honor innovators with a demonstrated commitment to\nadvancing autonomy, leading and promoting safe adoption of uncrewed systems,\nand developing programs that use these technologies to save lives and improve\nthe human condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The winners will be announced during AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2022<\/a>, which takes place April 25-28 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. The event will include displays from hundreds of companies from around the world and feature educational programming by uncrewed systems experts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe are always honored to be recognized for our\naccomplishments in expanding the use of these transformational technologies to\nimprove public services and build our state\u2019s economy,\u201d said Division of\nAviation UAS Program Manager Riley Beaman. \u201cAnd we are excited to be part of\nthis international conference and have the opportunity to network and showcase\nwhat North Carolina can offer companies paving the way for this important\nindustry.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n The AUVSI is the world’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of uncrewed systems and robotics and represents corporations and professionals from more than 60 countries involved in industry, government and academia. For more information, visit AUVSI.org<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n