Βι¶ΉΣ³»­

Βι¶ΉΣ³»­ Autonomous

Two researchers working on a flying drone and a flight map in the Βι¶ΉΣ³»­ Autonomous lab

Βι¶ΉΣ³»­ Autonomous works with industry, entrepreneurs and faculty, staff and students at the Βι¶ΉΣ³»­ to develop, test and deploy technology related to robotics, artificial intelligence and autonomous systems. Βι¶ΉΣ³»­’s official, FAA-designated Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Test Site Service is managed through Βι¶ΉΣ³»­ Autonomous.

This innovative, collaborative leadership effort is designed to benefit society and Βι¶ΉΣ³»­ economy and is supported by the Βι¶ΉΣ³»­ Knowledge Fund through the Governor’s Office of Economic Development.

Βι¶ΉΣ³»­ Autonomous is dedicated to partnering with industry and other academic institutions to commercialize technologies in autonomous systems, including:

  • Stationary robotic systems
  • Advanced manufacturing systems
  • Unmanned aerial vehicles
  • Driverless cars
  • Underwater robots

Βι¶ΉΣ³»­’s UAS Test Site service

Βι¶ΉΣ³»­ is designated by the as one of seven states to serve as a center for the development and testing of unmanned autonomous vehicles and systems. Βι¶ΉΣ³»­ Autonomous manages Βι¶ΉΣ³»­’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Test Site activities statewide, bringing leadership, know-how and a focus on safety to each opportunity and test.

Βι¶ΉΣ³»­ Autonomous collaborates with business and industry, government agencies and research institutions, notably the Βι¶ΉΣ³»­, University of Βι¶ΉΣ³»­, Las Vegas and Desert Research Institute, all part of the Βι¶ΉΣ³»­ System of Higher Education and all conducting aspects of aeronautical, autonomous vehicle and robotics research.

The Βι¶ΉΣ³»­ Autonomous team envisions creating a beyond-visual-line-of-sight corridor for aerial and vehicular testing that extends from Reno to Las Vegas, a north to south connection extending roughly 500 miles.

Program services

  • Assist with development of grant and contract proposals in current and emerging research areas of unmanned aircraft systems and aerial mobility
  • Foster collaborations between industry and research institutions
  • Provide operations space and support to startup companies developing autonomous systems technology
  • Provide operational support for UAS Test Site activities including airworthiness, personnel certification, operations management, location assessment, Certificate of Authorization development and safety management

Contact

Βι¶ΉΣ³»­ Autonomous is part of the Βι¶ΉΣ³»­ Center for Applied Research.

Please use our contact form for general inquiries.

Affiliated with the University or operating a UAS on University property?

University policy guides the requirements for the purchase, registration and use of unmanned aerial vehicles, such as drones, at or in association with the University. The policy applies to University employees, units, students, organizations and other University-related individuals, and to any University owned or managed location. See the University Administrative Manual, Policy 5,030: Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Drones.

The proposed operator must apply online to receive University authorization to conduct a UAV operation permitted under University Policy 5,030.

Apply to conduct a UAS operation at the University

Drone Arena and Βι¶ΉΣ³»­ Autonomous photos

Here are some photos of researchers working in the Drone Arena and in the Βι¶ΉΣ³»­ Autonomous lab.

  • Two researchers working with a flying drone in the Drone Arena of the Applied Research Facility.
  • Three student researchers working with a flying drone in the Drone Arena of the Applied Research Facility.
  • Two student researchers and a Βι¶ΉΣ³»­ Autonomous pilot working with a flying drone in the Drone Arena of the Applied Research Facility.
  • Two researchers standing at a command station area behind some netting in the Drone Arena of the Applied Research Facility.
  • A faculty researcher holding a flying drone in the Drone Arena of the Applied Research Facility.
  • Two student researchers carrying a large flying drone out of the Drone Arena of the Applied Research Facility.
  • A student researcher using a handheld controller to navigate a large walking robot along a corridor within the Drone Arena of the Applied Research Facility.
  • A student researcher and a Βι¶ΉΣ³»­ Autonomous faculty member working with flight simulation software on a computer and large monitor in the Βι¶ΉΣ³»­ Autonomous lab.
  • A student researcher and a Βι¶ΉΣ³»­ Autonomous faculty member working with a small flying drone in the Βι¶ΉΣ³»­ Autonomous lab.