AUVSI Launches Green UAS Cybersecurity Certification Program For Commercial Drones
AUVSI has announced the launch of its Green UAS program, which aims to expand the number of commercial Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) verified to meet high levels of cybersecurity and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) supply chain requirements. Green UAS is designed for customers who wait to immediately require Department of Defense (DoD) authority to operate and offers a streamlined pathway to the Blue UAS 2.0 cleared list. The program will assess product and device security, corporate cyber hygiene, remote operations, and connectivity. AUVSI will work with a network of cybersecurity firms to rapidly vet drones seeking Green UAS certification.
Green UAS is the first product of AUVSI's Trusted Cyber Program, launched in August 2022. The program aims to meet the growing demand for vetted drones and to standardize cybersecurity requirements. It is designed for federal government agencies, local law enforcement, first responders, state departments of transportation, and industrial enterprise users such as energy and utilities, telecoms, manufacturing, food and agriculture, and logistics and mapping/surveying companies. The launch builds on the collaboration AUVSI announced with DIU in September 2022 to advance commercial cyber methodologies to create a shared requirement, with AUVSI's unique position with commercial drone vendors and close coordination with DIU giving its Trusted Cyber Program the ability to provide a more competitive marketplace for all.
Learn more at https://www.auvsi.org/green-uas.
Women's History Month & International Women's Day: Women in Uncrewed Systems
As we celebrate Women's History Month and International Women's Day, we must recognize women's contributions to uncrewed systems and robotics. Despite being underrepresented in the industry, women have made significant strides in these fields, paving the way for future generations of women to pursue careers in robotics and automation.
From the introduction of computing to today's study of advanced robotics, women like Ada Lovelace have been responsible for cutting-edge advancements propelling the industry forward. Lovelace, the world's first programmer, was a 19th-century mathematician best known for creating the first algorithm to be processed by a machine. Although robotics had not yet been invented, Lovelace's insight into the potential of machines to perform complex tasks beyond simple calculations laid the foundation for the development of modern robotics.
Today, women such as Raquel Urtasun, Professor of Computer Science at the University of Toronto and CEO and founder of Waabi, are leading the charge of women in robotics and uncrewed systems. Urtasun is a renowned researcher in autonomous driving and AI. Her groundbreaking research into machine learning algorithms has enabled vehicles to navigate complex environments with greater accuracy and safety. Urtasun is just one of the many women advancing the industry and pushing technology further.
While women have made progress in uncrewed systems, much work still needs to be done to promote diversity and inclusion. According to a report by the World Economic Forum, women accounted for just 22% of the global AI workforce in 2020.
Fortunately, some organizations and initiatives are working to address this gender imbalance. Women and Drones is an organization that is focused on promoting the involvement of women in the drone industry, offering resources and opportunities for women to succeed in the field. Women in Robotics is a similar global organization and community that supports women working in robotics or are those interested in working in robotics. And WomenTech Network is a community of women in tech empowering women through leadership development, mentorship, networking, and more. These are just a few women leaders and women-focused organizations helping break down barriers and promote greater diversity and inclusion in the field.
