Elon University will host its 2026 Drone Day on Friday, October 30, bringing recreational and commercial pilots, educators, students and industry professionals together for presentations, demonstrations and networking. The free public event is organized by the university’s School of Communications in partnership with the North Carolina chapter of the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International.
The program will examine how artificial intelligence is changing the way drones operate, while also addressing agricultural applications and other emerging uses for unmanned aircraft systems. The event is scheduled to take place in Turner Theater and the Snow Family Grand Atrium. Registration is required.
Trustworthy AI in unmanned aircraft
Sambit Bhattacharya, a professor at Fayetteville State University, will deliver the keynote address. His presentation, “Preflight Checks for Intelligent Machines: What Drones Can Teach Us About Trustworthy AI,” will use aviation safety as a framework for examining the development and deployment of intelligent systems.
Bhattacharya’s presentation is expected to focus on safety, testing and accountability in autonomous drone systems. According to Elon University, he will draw on research from Fayetteville State’s Intelligent Systems Lab to discuss how autonomous drones make decisions, the difficulties of deploying AI in real-world environments and the importance of reliable operation.
A broad program for the drone industry
The event’s agenda extends beyond artificial intelligence. Presentations and demonstrations will cover agricultural applications and emerging drone technologies, giving attendees exposure to both commercial and educational uses of unmanned aircraft. The program is intended for a mixed audience that includes people who fly drones recreationally, commercial operators, students and industry representatives.
- Artificial intelligence: a keynote on safety, testing and accountability for intelligent machines.
- Agriculture: sessions and demonstrations addressing drone use in farming.
- Emerging technologies: presentations on how unmanned aircraft systems are evolving.
- Professional development: networking among pilots, educators, students and industry participants.
Raven Advisory, which participated in a demonstration during the 2025 Drone Day, is scheduled to return for the 2026 event. Teaching Professor of Visual Communication Randy Piland is also identified as part of the university’s program. The event’s combination of technical discussion, practical demonstrations and networking places agricultural drones within a broader examination of how unmanned aircraft are being developed and used across different sectors.
Elon Drone Day will be open to the public on October 30, with registration required for attendance.
