Emerging technology is rapidly transforming unmanned systems, aviation, and defense operations. As autonomous technologies evolve from prototypes into systems that can be produced and deployed at scale, industry is rethinking how these platforms are designed, manufactured, and integrated into next-generation defense technology and mission capabilities. In this episode of Emerging Tech Horizons, Dr. Arun Seraphin speaks with Paul Fermo, President of Robinson Unmanned, a recently introduced business unit of Robinson Helicopter Company and previously known as Ascent AeroSystems, about the rapidly evolving world of unmanned aviation and autonomous drone technology. Drawing on his experience as a naval aviator, requirements developer, and industry leader, Fermo discusses how autonomous systems are evolving the relationship between manned and unmanned platforms and what it will take to deliver reliable defense capabilities at scale. Key topics include: How smaller unmanned aircraft and drone systems are accelerating the pace of emerging technology development and creating new demands for agile manufacturing and production.The role of commercial and dual-use platforms in driving defense technology innovation, expanding applications, and creating opportunities to achieve greater production scale.How drones and unmanned aviation systems can support missions ranging from surveillance, search and rescue, and medical transport to contested logistics and casualty evacuation.The importance of modular, reliable, and upgradable unmanned platforms that allow operators to integrate new hardware and software as defense technologies evolve.How the Drone Dominance Program and advanced market commitments are helping push industry from emerging technology innovation toward industrialization, greater production capacity, and scalable drone capabilities.The convergence of artificial intelligence, machine learning, autonomy, advanced materials, communications, and data exploitation in next-generation unmanned aviation and defense technology.The future of integrated, collaborative drone and autonomous systems in which multiple platforms work together and AI-enabled technologies help operators make faster, more informed decisions.Why multi-year purchasing signals could help industry make the long-term investments needed to build scalable unmanned aviation, drone, and defense capabilities.NDIA Emerging Technologies Institute: https://www.ndiaeti.org NDIA Emerging Technologies Conference: https://www.ndiatechexpo.org Be sure to follow us on social media for updates, early access to upcoming events, inside scoops, & more: LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4htROo0 Twitter: https://bit.ly/48LHAx3 Facebook: https://bit.ly/47vlht8 And for more podcasts, articles, & publications covering all things emerging tech, visit: ndiaeti.org #RobinsonUnmanned #sUAS #UASEcosystem #DroneIndustrialBase #UnmannedSystems #AutonomousSystems #DefenseTechnology #EmergingTechnology