The International Conference for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles will commence on June 30 at the Nation Buildings in Jerusalem and will run until July 2. The conference will focus on the latest innovations in drones, their applications in the civilian market, and the incorporation of AI in drone technology. Additionally, there will be a special security track featuring lectures on the role of drones in warfare.
The conference will bring together leading experts and practitioners in the field, such as Yitzhak Ben Israel from Tel Aviv University and Daniela Pertam from the Innovation Authority. Partam, in a conversation with “Maariv” ahead of the conference, expressed the importance of developing a technological, economic, and regulatory ecosystem for the drone industry. The goal is to advance existing technologies, implement new civilian technologies, and promote Israeli innovations globally.
One significant project highlighted by Partam is the transportation of goods using drones, a collaborative effort involving the Innovation Authority, Civil Aviation Authority, Ministry of Transportation, and Ayalon routes. This initiative aims to create an infrastructure that enables the use of drone technology for various purposes, including the transport of medical supplies, food, and potentially passengers in the future.
The Innovation Authority-supported companies have made significant strides in managing large projects both in Israel and abroad, including pilot flights for air taxis. As the technology advances, there is a growing competition internationally in the field of drone technology. The vision is to establish an ecosystem that empowers local companies to develop cutting-edge tools and technology for widespread use in the coming years.
The deployment of drones for medical equipment transport during the COVID-19 pandemic was a successful initial step towards broader applications. Companies are now working on scaling up operations with a focus on transporting heavier loads over longer distances. Ultimately, the aim is to optimize delivery services, alleviate traffic congestion, and offer tangible benefits to the public through innovative drone technology.