Latest news with #AUVSI
CTV News
6 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
U.S. government proposes easing some restrictions on drones traveling long distances
A drone hovers in airspace outside the safety perimeter surrounding St. Louis Lambert International Airport as an airliner approaches for a landing on March 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File) A new federal rule proposed Tuesday would make it easier for companies to use drones over longer distances out of the operator's sight without having to go through a cumbersome waiver process. The federal government had already approved 657 waivers to allow companies such as Amazon and major utilities to do this in certain circumstances, but the waiver process made it difficult. The rule would establish a clear process for drone operators to seek approval for using drones this way. The industry has long pressed for the rule because being able to operate drones out of sight opens up a multitude of possibilities for their use. Being able to do this enables more use of drones for deliveries, inspecting infrastructure like bridges and power lines and other uses in agriculture like spraying fertilizer over thousands of acres on large farms. 'This draft rule is a critical step toward enabling drone operations that will enhance safety, transform commercial services, and strengthen public safety with drones as a force multiplier,' Michael Robbins, president & CEO of the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International trade group, said in a statement. Rules spell out when drones can be flown out of sight The rule spells out the circumstances drones can be used under 400 feet under while working to ensure they don't disrupt aviation and cause problems around airports, Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Bryan Bedford said. The drones will be required to have collision-avoidance technology to keep them away from planes and other drones. And the rule will only allow drones up to 1,320 pounds (598 kg) — including their payloads. 'The issue hasn't been that America just can't innovate, America can't create, America can't build amazing drone technology. It's that we've had a bureaucracy in place that makes it incredibly incredibly difficult for innovators to actually innovate,' Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said. The rules are designed to address the way modern drones are being used today. 'While the technology has rapidly advanced over the last decade, our regulatory framework in the United States has failed to keep pace,' said Linda Ellman, CEO of the Commercial Drone Alliance group. 'Drone operators must navigate a labyrinth of ill-suited regulations designed for crewed aircraft.' A rule in the works for years U.S. President Donald Trump issued executive orders in June directing the Transportation Department to quickly get this rule out. The orders also included restrictions meant to help protect against terrorism, espionage and public safety threats. Drones are already used in a variety of ways, including bolstering search and rescue operations, applying fertilizer, inspecting power lines and railroad bridges, and even delivering packages. Amazon is one of the companies that received a waiver allowing it to use drones this way for some of its deliveries in College Station, Texas, as it develops the technology. This rule should make it easier for Amazon and other companies to get approval to use drones this way in more communities. Addressing concerns about safety The war in Ukraine has highlighted how drones could be used in a military or terrorist attack — a concern as the World Cup and Olympics approach in the U.S. There also have been espionage cases where drones have been used to surveil sensitive sites. And White House officials said drones are being used to smuggle drugs over the border, and there are concerns about the potential for a disastrous collision between a drone and an airliner around an airport. The FAA consulted with the Department of Homeland Security as it developed this rule to make sure security concerns are addressed. The government will accept comments on the new rule over the next 60 days before finalizing the rule likely sometime later this year. Drone operators will have to go through background checks and be certified to operate drones out of their sight. Duffy and Bedford said they hope having regulations in place can help prevent problems like earlier this year when a small drone collided with a 'Super Scooper' plane that was fighting wildfires raging through Southern California. The drone punched a hole in the plane's left wing, causing enough damage that officials grounded the aircraft for several days to make repairs. Authorities tracked down the 56-year-old drone operator, who pleaded guilty to a federal charge of recklessly flying his aircraft. The man admitted he launched his DJI quadcopter to observe fire damage over the Pacific Palisades neighborhood, despite the FAA having restricted drone flying in the area, according to court records. The operator lost sight of the drone after it flew about 1.5 (2.4 kilometres) miles from where he had launched it. And that's when it struck the 'Super Scooper.' This rule applies directly to commercial and recreational drone operators who must apply to be able to fly drones out of sight. People who buy drones on their own and don't get approval would still be prohibited from doing this. Josh Funk, The Associated Press Associated Press writers Dee-Ann Durbin, Rio Yamat and Didi Tang contributed to this report.
Reuters
6 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
US proposes new rules to speed drone deployments
Aug 5 (Reuters) - The U.S. Transportation Department on Tuesday is proposing new rules to speed deployment of drones beyond the visual line of sight of operators, a key change needed to advance commercial deployments like package deliveries. Under current rules, operators need to get individual waivers or exemptions to use drones without visual line of sight. The department said eliminating those requirements "will significantly expand the use-case for drone technologies in areas like: manufacturing, farming, energy production, filmmaking, and the movement of products including lifesaving medications." The proposal includes new requirements for manufacturers, operators, and drone traffic-management services to keep drones safely separated from other drones and airplanes. Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International CEO Michael Robbins praised the risk-based proposal as "a critical step toward enabling drone operations that will enhance safety, transform commercial services, and strengthen public safety with drones as a force multiplier."
Associated Press
12-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Bullish on Drone Stocks as Recent Executive Orders Focuses on Strengthening U.S. Leadership for Drone Operations
PALM BEACH, Fla., June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FN Media GroupNews Commentary - On Friday, June 6, the White House issued two sweeping executive orders focused on strengthening U.S. leadership in uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS, or drones). These actions aim to streamline rulemaking for enabling regulations, fortify domestic supply chains and promote manufacturing, advance security measures, and align federal operations with emerging aviation technologies. The Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) applauds the Administration's commitment to advancing drone integration through timely, coordinated federal action. These Executive Orders mark a significant step toward reducing regulatory uncertainty, accelerating innovation and manufacturing, and reinforcing U.S. competitiveness in the global autonomy race. AUVSI envisions a future where uncrewed systems, robotics, and autonomous technologies are seamlessly integrated to solve critical challenges resulting in lasting safety and societal benefits, economic growth, and enhanced national security. AUVSI represents leaders from more than 60 countries across industry, government, and academia in the defense, civil and commercial sectors. Our strength is in our community, which gathers in-person and online to share new ideas, promote effective policy, advocate for the value of autonomous technology, and spark new partnerships. Active Companies in the markets today include ZenaTech, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA), Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCAT), Ondas Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: ONDS), Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO), AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS). The AUVSI article added: 'Today is a historic day for the drone industry in the United States. The White House Executive Orders issued today showcase that drones are critical to American economic strength, national security, and global leadership' said Michael Robbins, AUVSI's President & CEO. 'AUVSI commends the Trump Administration for advancing policies that will ensure U.S. leadership in drone innovation, security, operations, and manufacturing. As we have long advocated, innovation and security must advance in lockstep, and President Trump got that right with these Executive Orders. By prioritizing long-overdue drone enabling rules and much needed security reforms, the Administration is accelerating the safe and responsible growth of the drone industry at a pivotal moment.' ZenaTech (NASDAQ:ZENA) ZenaDrone to File Patent and Accelerate Deployment of Counter-UAS Technology on the ZenaDrone 1000 in Response to US Executive Order - ZenaTech, Inc. (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) ('ZenaTech'), a technology company specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drone, Drone as a Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS, and Quantum Computing solutions, today announces its subsidiary ZenaDrone's intent to file a patent and accelerate the deployment of Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (Counter-UAS) technology, to be mounted on the company's flagship ZenaDrone 1000 drone platform in response to a new executive order policy directive. Counter-UAS technology refers to tools or systems that can detect, track, or mitigate unauthorized or dangerous drones to protect people, property, and airspace. ZenaDrone's technology for this was originally designed last year but was placed on hold as the company prioritized other commercial and defense applications. However, the recent policy directive on Counter-UAS contained in the June 6th, 2025, White House Executive Order, 'Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty', has clarified the urgency and importance of bringing effective drone defense solutions to market. In response, ZenaDrone is accelerating development and commercialization efforts to meet growing domestic and international demand. 'We developed our Counter-UAS system with future threats in mind, and the Executive Order has made it clear that the time to act is now,' said Dr. Shaun Passley, CEO of ZenaTech. 'Integrating this technology into the ZenaDrone 1000 positions us to meet urgent security needs with a smart, autonomous aerial defense platform and be seen as a provider of safe, trusted, and mission-ready solutions.' The company will immediately expand its engineering and defense teams to fast-track R&D, testing, and deployment. The enhanced ZenaDrone 1000 will feature real-time threat detection and neutralization capabilities, making it a viable solution for military, homeland security, and critical infrastructure protection operations. The recent executive order, one of two historic policy directives announced on June 6th, 2025, provides a boost to US drone companies by driving demand for counter-UAS technologies, setting needed federal standards for secure airspace integration, and prioritizing US-made systems over foreign alternatives. The ZenaDrone 1000 is an AI multifunction autonomous drone that is a 12X7-foot rotary-wing octocopter design—built for commercial applications including surveillance, inspection and precision agriculture, as well as for defense. It features a patented foldable-wing design, can carry up to a 40 kg or 88 lbs of payload, and can fly for up to an hour before recharging on its docking station. It can be equipped with a variety of thermal imaging, LiDAR, or multispectral sensors to enable real-time ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance), border patrol, and other defense applications. Continued… Read this full release by visiting: Other recent developments in the markets include: Ondas Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:ONDS), a leading provider of private industrial wireless networks and commercial drone and automated data solutions through its Ondas Networks and Ondas Autonomous Systems business units, recently announced the closing of its underwritten public offering of (i) 27,200,000 shares of its common stock, which includes 4,800,000 shares of common stock sold pursuant to the exercise in full by the underwriter of their over-allotment option, and (ii) in lieu of common stock, pre-funded warrants to purchase up to 9,600,000 shares of its common stock, at an exercise price of $0.0001 per share. Ondas estimates net proceeds from the offering to be approximately $42.8 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses, and excluding any proceeds that may be received from the exercise of the pre-funded warrants. Ondas intends to use the net proceeds of the offering for general corporate purposes, including funding capital expenditures and providing working capital. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. acted as the sole underwriter for the offering. Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc., Lake Street Capital Markets, LLC and Northland Capital Markets served as financial advisors to Ondas. Akerman LLP served as legal counsel to Ondas and Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C. served as legal counsel to the underwriter. Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO) (CSE: DPRO), a drone solutions, and systems developer, recently announced the pricing of its public offering (the 'Offering') of 5,500,000 units, with each unit consisting of one common share and one warrant to purchase one common share. Each unit is to be sold at a public offering price of US$2.50, for gross proceeds of approximately US$13.75 million, before deducting placement agent discounts and offering expenses. The warrants will have an exercise price of CA$5.0768 (or US$3.71) per share, are exercisable immediately and will expire five years following the date of issuance. Maxim Group LLC is acting as sole placement agent for the Offering. Draganfly currently intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering for general corporate purposes, including to fund its capabilities to meet demand for its new products including growth initiatives and/or for working capital requirements including the continuing development and marketing of the Company's core products, potential acquisitions and research and development. The Offering is expected to close on or about June 12, 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS), a leading provider of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), sensors, and software solutions for commercial and government use, recently announced the Company participated in a second high-level, invitation only policy discussion with the White House, hosted by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA). This most recent engagement was centered on the proposed FAA Rule Part 108, which will define the regulatory framework for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations across the United States. AgEagle CEO Bill Irby joined industry peers from uAvionix, BRINC, Kelly Hills, and Pierce Aerospace in presenting key insights on how enactment of Part 108 will remove significant operational barriers, drive capital investment, and unlock next-generation drone technologies that enhance both commercial and public sector applications. 'This follow-up invitation by OIRA reaffirms the strategic importance of expanding BVLOS operations for the domestic drone industry,' commented Irby. 'We were honored to continue our engagement with the White House and contribute our perspective on how thoughtful and timely rulemaking can accelerate innovation, improve safety and compliance, and strengthen the U.S. position as a global leader in drone technology. Of particular value was the discussion of how streamlined regulation will allow broader deployment of autonomous data solutions and open the door for increased economic activity.' Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCAT), a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations, recently issued a statement of support for a series of executive orders from the White House that advance U.S. leadership in uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and reinforce the resilience of America's domestic industrial base. The executive actions are expected to remove regulatory barriers and modernize federal approval processes to prioritize U.S.-manufactured drones. Additional provisions include expanded detection and mitigation authority, and streamlined regulations to accelerate the deployment of UAS across federal and commercial sectors. About FN Media Group: At FN Media Group, via our top-rated online news portal at we are one of the very few select firms providing top tier one syndicated news distribution, targeted ticker tag press releases and stock market news coverage for today's emerging companies. #tickertagpressreleases #pressreleases Follow us on Facebook to receive the latest news updates: Follow us on Twitter for real time Market News: Follow us on Linkedin: DISCLAIMER: FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates and is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. FNM's market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed FNM has been compensated fifty one hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by ZenaTech, Inc. by the Company. FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE. This release contains 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. 'Forward-looking statements' describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as 'may', 'future', 'plan' or 'planned', 'will' or 'should', 'expected,' 'anticipates', 'draft', 'eventually' or 'projected'. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company's annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements. Contact Information: Media Contact email: [email protected] - +1(561)325-8757 SOURCE: FN Media Group
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ocean Power Technologies Earns 'Trusted Operator' Status in New AUVSI Maritime Certification Program
Certification Underscores OPT's Commitment to Operational Excellence and Real-World Autonomous Maritime Solutions MONROE TOWNSHIP, N.J., May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ocean Power Technologies, Inc. (NYSE American: OPTT) ('OPT' or the 'Company'), a leader in innovative, cost-effective, low-carbon and artificial intelligence maritime services that enable safer and more productive ocean operations and related power, data, and service solutions, today announced its recognition as one of the initial certified operators under the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) Trusted UMS Operator Program. The program, launched by AUVSI in collaboration with leading industry stakeholders, is designed to establish a high standard for training, proficiency, and safety in the operation of uncrewed maritime systems (UMS). OPT's inclusion as a certified operator highlights the Company's commitment to excellence in autonomous maritime operations and its leadership in delivering practical, field-ready uncrewed systems. 'Being recognized by AUVSI as a Trusted UMS Operator underscores our dedication to safety, operational rigor, and workforce training as we deploy uncrewed technologies in demanding maritime environments,' said Philipp Stratmann, President and CEO of Ocean Power Technologies. 'This certification reinforces the confidence our customers have in OPT as a reliable partner for persistent maritime domain awareness and mission-critical operations.' The Trusted Operator designation provides a framework for standardizing skills and practices across the industry, helping customers and stakeholders identify operators who meet high standards of performance and accountability. It complements OPT's broader commitment to quality, safety, and innovation across its buoy and autonomous surface vehicle (ASV) solutions. For additional details on Ocean Power Technologies and its services and solutions for the defense, security and ocean energy industries, please visit For more information on the AUVSI Trusted Operator Program, visit ABOUT OCEAN POWER TECHNOLOGIES OPT provides intelligent maritime solutions and services that enable safer, cleaner, and more productive ocean operations for the defense and security, oil and gas, science and research, and offshore wind markets, including Merrows™, which provides AI capable seamless integration of Maritime Domain Awareness Systems across platforms. Our PowerBuoy® platforms provide clean and reliable electric power and real-time data communications for remote maritime and subsea applications. We also provide WAM-V® autonomous surface vessels (ASVs) and marine robotics services. The Company's headquarters is in Monroe Township, New Jersey and has an additional office in Richmond, California. To learn more, visit FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This release may contain forward-looking statements that are within the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are identified by certain words or phrases such as "may", "will", "aim", "will likely result", "believe", "expect", "will continue", "anticipate", "estimate", "intend", "plan", "contemplate", "seek to", "future", "objective", "goal", "project", "should", "will pursue" and similar expressions or variations of such expressions. These forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current expectations about its future plans and performance. These forward-looking statements rely on a number of assumptions and estimates that could be inaccurate and subject to risks and uncertainties, including the potential continuing success with the delivery of customer products and services over extended timeframes, the conversion of potential customers to contracts and the realization of the potential revenue thereunder. Actual results could vary materially from those anticipated or expressed in any forward-looking statement made by the Company. Please refer to the Company's most recent Forms 10-Q and 10-K and subsequent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for further discussion of these risks and uncertainties. The Company disclaims any obligation or intent to update the forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release. CONTACT: CONTACT INFORMATION Investors: 203-561-6945 or investorrelations@ Media: 609-730-0400 x402 or MediaRelations@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Globe and Mail
27-05-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Ocean Power Technologies Earns 'Trusted Operator' Status in New AUVSI Maritime Certification Program
MONROE TOWNSHIP, N.J., May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ocean Power Technologies, Inc. (NYSE American: OPTT) ('OPT' or the 'Company'), a leader in innovative, cost-effective, low-carbon and artificial intelligence maritime services that enable safer and more productive ocean operations and related power, data, and service solutions, today announced its recognition as one of the initial certified operators under the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) Trusted UMS Operator Program. The program, launched by AUVSI in collaboration with leading industry stakeholders, is designed to establish a high standard for training, proficiency, and safety in the operation of uncrewed maritime systems (UMS). OPT's inclusion as a certified operator highlights the Company's commitment to excellence in autonomous maritime operations and its leadership in delivering practical, field-ready uncrewed systems. 'Being recognized by AUVSI as a Trusted UMS Operator underscores our dedication to safety, operational rigor, and workforce training as we deploy uncrewed technologies in demanding maritime environments,' said Philipp Stratmann, President and CEO of Ocean Power Technologies. 'This certification reinforces the confidence our customers have in OPT as a reliable partner for persistent maritime domain awareness and mission-critical operations.' The Trusted Operator designation provides a framework for standardizing skills and practices across the industry, helping customers and stakeholders identify operators who meet high standards of performance and accountability. It complements OPT's broader commitment to quality, safety, and innovation across its buoy and autonomous surface vehicle (ASV) solutions. For additional details on Ocean Power Technologies and its services and solutions for the defense, security and ocean energy industries, please visit For more information on the AUVSI Trusted Operator Program, visit ABOUT OCEAN POWER TECHNOLOGIES OPT provides intelligent maritime solutions and services that enable safer, cleaner, and more productive ocean operations for the defense and security, oil and gas, science and research, and offshore wind markets, including Merrows™, which provides AI capable seamless integration of Maritime Domain Awareness Systems across platforms. Our PowerBuoy® platforms provide clean and reliable electric power and real-time data communications for remote maritime and subsea applications. We also provide WAM-V® autonomous surface vessels (ASVs) and marine robotics services. The Company's headquarters is in Monroe Township, New Jersey and has an additional office in Richmond, California. To learn more, visit FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This release may contain forward-looking statements that are within the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are identified by certain words or phrases such as "may", "will", "aim", "will likely result", "believe", "expect", "will continue", "anticipate", "estimate", "intend", "plan", "contemplate", "seek to", "future", "objective", "goal", "project", "should", "will pursue" and similar expressions or variations of such expressions. These forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current expectations about its future plans and performance. These forward-looking statements rely on a number of assumptions and estimates that could be inaccurate and subject to risks and uncertainties, including the potential continuing success with the delivery of customer products and services over extended timeframes, the conversion of potential customers to contracts and the realization of the potential revenue thereunder. Actual results could vary materially from those anticipated or expressed in any forward-looking statement made by the Company. Please refer to the Company's most recent Forms 10-Q and 10-K and subsequent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for further discussion of these risks and uncertainties. The Company disclaims any obligation or intent to update the forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.
