06/04/2025 | News release | Distributed by Public on 06/04/2025 08:11
By Mickey Miller, CEO, Vislink
Last month I attended one of this year's largest shows of uncrewed technology, hosted by the Association of Uncrewed Systems and Vehicles International (AUVSI) in Houston, Texas. At XPONENTIAL 2025 I witnessed firsthand the energy, ingenuity, and urgency driving our sector forward. With more than 8,000 leaders, engineers, and policymakers gathered under one roof, the event was a powerful reminder of the pace of change - and the challenges ahead.
The Market Is Crowded - But Opportunity Lies in Differentiation
Walking the XPO Hall, it was clear: the drone and radio communications market is bustling with activity. Dozens of companies showcased platforms, payloads, and connectivity solutions, each vying for a piece of a rapidly expanding pie.
Yet, as I spoke with fellow executives and end users, one theme emerged: differentiation is critical. The future belongs to those who can offer not just hardware, but integrated solutions - seamless workflows, robust security, and actionable intelligence. The days of "just another drone" are over; the winners will be those who solve real problems in real time.
The Next Critical Feature: No GPS or Radio Signature
Security and resilience dominated the agenda this year, especially as policymakers and technologists debated the risks of foreign-made components and the vulnerabilities of traditional navigation systems.
My key takeaway: the next generation of drones must be able to operate without a GPS or radio signature. This is no longer just a military requirement - it's a necessity for critical infrastructure, disaster response, and any mission where stealth, safety, and reliability are paramount.
Advances in onboard sensors and AI-driven navigation are making GPS-denied flight a reality, and those who master this capability will set the standard for the industry.
The Data Revolution: Sensor Fusion and AI-Driven Decisions
Perhaps the most exciting conversations at XPONENTIAL centered on the convergence of sensors - LiDAR, cameras, radar, and beyond - and the AI algorithms that turn raw data into actionable insight.
The future of autonomy is about more than flight; it's about intelligence. Drones equipped with multi-sensor arrays and edge AI are now capable of real-time object detection, predictive analytics, and autonomous decision-making. This shift is enabling proactive responses to dynamic environments, from infrastructure inspection to public safety and defense.
Looking Forward
XPONENTIAL 2025 reinforced my conviction that we are entering a new era - one defined by secure, intelligent, and adaptable autonomous systems. At Vislink, we are committed to leading this charge, partnering across the ecosystem to deliver the resilient, data-driven solutions that our customers demand. The journey ahead is challenging, but with the talent and vision I saw last month, I have never been more optimistic about what we can achieve together.