Shaping the Skies: Advancing Aerial Drone Innovation in WA

Do you have a passion for aerial drone technology? Join decision makers, pilots, researchers, drone builders, and ReOCs for an exciting event as we explore WA's upcoming developments in aerial drone technology.

This event is designed to gather industry professionals, technology developers, and aspiring enthusiasts in WA to connect and discuss their latest developments and applications in the aerial drone sector. It aims to foster new connections and spark fresh collaborations and conversations across these communities.

This event forms part of the research project DecAI – Human-Machine Teaming Technology for Autonomous Aerial Drones, awarded by the Defence Science Centre (DSC) Western Australia. The project is a collaboration between UX Machines and the University of Western Australia.

FREE EVENT! Includes morning tea and a light lunch.

AGENDA

• CORE-organised: Brew Hub and Connect

• Live drone demos

• Opening & Housekeeping

• David Cole (FlyFreely): Automating SORA to enable BVLOS operations at scale

• UX's Machines's latest technological advances

• Roberto Lujan Rocha (Squadrone): How Drone Light Shows Are Taking WA Education and Entertainment to New Heights

• Brief lunch break

• Bosko Rafailovic (SkyGuide): Integrating drones into Swiss airspace – U-space as a European response

• Ravi Murty (Yarra Drones): Water Sample Collection Using Drones - Safer and Faster than Conventional Methods

• Joshua Wigley (Hyperion Systems): 3D printed drones

• Q & A Session

• Exhibitions

  • William Sharpe (SQP Engineering)

  • William Carruthers

  • Joshua Wigley (Hyperion Systems)

  • Luke White (UX Machines)

  • Artur Lugmayr (UX Machines)

• Networking

MEET THE SPEAKERS

David Cole - FlyFreely

Dr David Cole has 7 years experience in the drone industry along with being a certified mechanical engineer with over 12 years experience in mining, construction and agriculture. He is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at FlyFreely, which has developed the FlyFreely Drone Management Platform. This platform now helps commercial drone operators manage all aspects of operations, compliance and fleet management. FlyFreely's mission is to build a drone management platform that serves the needs of commercial drone operators so they can deliver consistent value, regardless of which country they operate in or how complex their operations are.

Website: https://flyfreely.io/

Roberto Lujan Rocha - Squadrone

Roberto is the founder of Squadrone, a Western Australian start-up using drone technology to deliver engaging STEM education and public entertainment across schools, communities, and regional areas. As a PhD candidate at The University of Western Australia, his research focuses on Earth Observation and the use of satellite data for agricultural innovation. With a background in science and education, Roberto has designed hands-on drone coding workshops, helped run regional outreach programs, and led Australia’s first CASA-approved drone swarming shows near people.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertolujanrocha/

Website: https://squadrone.com.au

Bosko Rafailovic - SkyGuide

Boško Rafailović is responsible for regulatory policies and standards in Skyguide's U-space/UTM programme. This role includes close cooperation with the Swiss aviation regulator FOCA on U-space Airspace designation, including the definition of the CIS/USSP performance requirements. Boško is the member of the JARUS SRM, with the focus on air risk definition, while in EUROCAE Boško leads the work on developing the OSED for the Flight Authorisation Service.

Before joining Skyguide's UTM programme, Boško worked as ATCO for 14 years, to then move onto ATM procedures development, taking the role of the Editor of ATM Manual Switzerland and the technical advisor to Swiss member of the ICAO SASP (Separation and Airspace Safety Panel).

Website: https://www.skyguide.ch/

Ravi Murty - Yarra Drones

Ravi is the Founder and Chief Remote Pilot at Yarra Drones. They are a Melbourne, Australia-based Drone (RPA) Services and Solutions start-up, driven by strong belief that drones provide true 360 degrees of freedom with endless automation possibilities and when clubbed with digital technologies such as image analytics and AI, offers the opportunity to do things differently than ever done before in much faster and safer way. They build and implement solutions around drones for specific needs of their customers by integrating multiple technologies and deliver as fully managed service. 

They are providing Drone Safety and Operations Managment digital platform in Australia since 2023. Their platform offers Automated Airspace Authorisations (being trialed) at 10 airports. Its CASA-approved and thousands of drone operators rely on Yarra Drones's platform to plan their missions across Australia. 

Website: www.yarradrones.com/

Joshua Wigley - Hyperion Systems

Joshua is the Founder of Hyperion Systems, which since its inception in 2022, has harnessed Large Format Additive Manufacturing (LFAM)—an advanced 3D printing process that produces sizeable, high-quality components with speed and precision for sectors like marine, construction, Defence, and education. By merging advanced polymers with rigorous and innovative processes, they deliver robust, sustainable solutions that align with evolving global demands. Through localised production, recycling, and close collaboration with academia and industry partners, they minimise waste, shorten supply chains, and foster a circular economy. Committed to innovation and sustainability, Hyperion is reshaping the future of advanced manufacturing.

Website: https://www.hyperionsystems.com.au/

ORGANISERS

SPONSORS & PARTNERS

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