University of Alaska, Gov. Mike Dunleavy Announce Inaugural Global Autonomous Systems Conference

April 21, 2023

Expert gathering to highlight Alaska鈥檚 drone excellence, identify coming global challenges, opportunities

ANCHORAGE 鈥 The University of Alaska and Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced that the University and State of Alaska will host the inaugural  in Anchorage on Aug. 9-11, 2023. GASC is a three-day gathering that will include presentations from worldwide experts, conversations among policy and industry leaders, and opportunities to connect with visionaries in autonomous systems. The convening is sponsored by the Alaska Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration (ACUASI) at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. ACUASI is one of the nation鈥檚 top drone research programs.

鈥淲hether it is using an Artificial Intelligence camera payload installed on a drone to spot whales, or underwater gliders to conduct physical oceanography research, Alaskan researchers are leading the way towards using autonomy to solve real-world problems,鈥 said ACUASI director Dr. Cathy Cahill.

The theme for this year鈥檚 conference is 鈥淭railblazing Autonomous Paths for a New World Economy鈥 and will include sessions on research and advanced air mobility, or AAM. AAM integrates new aircraft and innovative technologies to move people and goods between nearby locations, and connect communities that do not have access to adequate transportation. AAM promises to be safe, fast, affordable, and eco-friendly, allowing people to reach their destinations quickly and efficiently. Invited experts and leaders in the fields of security, AI, emergency management, oceanography, fisheries, and more will also highlight the opportunities and challenges on the horizon for unmanned aerial systems in the economy and beyond. 

鈥淎laska is at the intersection of investment, innovation, and practical application of unmanned aircraft technology due to its location at the crossroads for worldwide transportation and logistics,鈥 澳门六合彩开奖appPresident Pat Pitney said. 鈥淭he 49th state has consistently led the way in aviation technological advancement, and ACUASI鈥檚 status as a leader in drone research and testing, across the U.S. is a continuation of that legacy.鈥

鈥淔rom logistics to unmanned aircraft, from critical minerals to low and no carbon energy, and much more, Alaska is a resource powerhouse in a strategic position on the globe that has much more to offer than just our beautiful scenery and wildlife,鈥 Governor Dunleavy said.

The Global Autonomous Systems Conference will be held Aug. 9-11, 2023 at the Dena鈥檌na Civic and Convention Center in Anchorage, Alaska. For more details or to register for the conference, visit