Innovation News

‍

Last week, Tulsa Innovation Labs hosted Michael Robbins, president and CEO of the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) for a strategic briefing about the future of autonomous systems. In his opening remarks, Robbins highlighted why regional hubs like Tulsa are uniquely positioned to lead the country in the technologies that will define the future. One thing was clear throughout the discussion with industry executives, public officials and philanthropic leaders about practical next steps, investment, workforce and collaboration: Tulsa is gaining momentum as a regional hub for autonomous technologies, and well on its way to becoming the Drone Capital of the World.

“Tulsa has a real opportunity to position itself to help America win the age of autonomy and build the uncrewed arsenal for democracy by bridging the gap between prototyping and small-scale production, which is where we are now, and the ability to manufacture at scale with secure supply chains, repeatable quality, and a workforce pipeline that can grow with demand,” said Robbins. “For the first time in this industry, the demand is real and it’s converging which means there’s great opportunity here in Tulsa.”

As autonomous systems quickly become America’s new economic frontier, three key components are necessary for Tulsa to continue its path toward excellence: 

• Real-world testing environments
• Advanced manufacturing to scale new technology
• Talent-to-workforce pipelines

Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell explained during the visit that no state is better prepared for these challenges than Oklahoma. With the eleventh fastest growing population in the country, Oklahoma is ensuring that its priorities are aligned with the nation’s, securing policy, talent and infrastructure improvements to break silos and seek continuous growth.  

That growth is already apparent. More than 100 leaders in education, energy, government, manufacturing, aviation and aerospace gathered to hear Robbins’ vision for the future of autonomous systems; regional hubs like Tulsa are at the forefront of the nation’s progress. With the expansion of the Green UAS certification partnership to local institutions, tenants at Skyway Range moving from concept to actualization and more, the Tulsa region is no longer asking whether the industry belongs here—it’s proving it with tangible results. 

"Our collective efforts reflect a region no longer asking whether advanced industries even belong here in the first place, but focused on how we will support and how we will grow those things not just for ourselves, but into national and global assets," said Jenn Hankins, TIL Managing Director. "The future of autonomous systems will be shaped by the regions that can align policy, align talent and align infrastructure with industry needs, and do so consistently and with exceptionalism over time. Today is an opportunity to understand how that alignment is taking shape nationally, and how we can continue to contribute to that in a constructive and meaningful role."

Tulsa Innovation Labs is proud to spearhead the region’s efforts to build the future of autonomous tech right here in the Heartland. Uncrewed systems are foundational to the nation’s economy and Tulsa Innovation Labs has one clear purpose: to help the region align in industries where Tulsa has the opportunity to lead, and turn that aspiration into action. 

_________________________

‍

Below is the full video transcript: