Nevada Autonomous

Two drones flying in downtown Reno, Nevada

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

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

Nevada 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

Nevada’s UAS Test Site service

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

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

The Nevada 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

Nevada Autonomous is part of the Nevada 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 Nevada Autonomous photos

Here are some photos of researchers working in the Drone Arena and in the Nevada 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 Nevada 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 Nevada Autonomous faculty member working with flight simulation software on a computer and large monitor in the Nevada Autonomous lab.
  • A student researcher and a Nevada Autonomous faculty member working with a small flying drone in the Nevada Autonomous lab.