Two-day workshop on ‘Unmanned Aerial Systems in Agriculture’

Washington State University is offering a two-day workshop on “Unmanned Aerial Systems in Agriculture.” The event will be held Nov. 8-9 in Prosser, Washington.

In the past few years, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) or drones have fascinated growers, crop service providers, and researchers alike with versatile imaging and non-imaging application capabilities. The Agribusiness industry is trying to keep up with rapid developments in this sector. As stakeholders are exploring the suitability of the drones in agricultural production management, the key to adoption is understanding fundamentals of UAS technology and FAA rules, regulations, and safety issues.

Controlled remotely or using autopilot mode, a UAS can carry a sensor to collect high-resolution field data for a large acreage in a short period of time to make real-time decision-making possible.

Two articles have been published with details: Unmanned Arial Systems in Agriculture: Part 1 (Systems) and Part 2 (Sensors).

In this regard, Lav Khot, assitant professor with the Center for Precision & Automated Agricultural Systems (WSU-CPAAS) and the Biological Systems Engineering Department has taken the lead towards developing a hands-on two-day UAS workshop in collaboration with key industry players.

Detailed agenda of the workshop.

Workshop deliverables include:

• Hands-on training on assembly, configuration and calibration of small-sized UAS
• Optical sensor basics and its integration with UAS for quality data acquisition
• Planning and execution of UAS flight missions
• Tutoring participants to appear for “FAA Part107 Small Unmanned Aircraft Knowledge Test” to have “Remote Pilot Small UAS” certification/license.

The event will be held at the Ag Tech Building, WSU IAREC, Prosser.

Registration Fee: $370/ attendee, Group of 5 or more $350/attendee.  Maximum seats limited to 25. Registration cost includes lunch and coffee/light snacks on both days.

Register at:

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3094980

Cancellations: accepted until 10 days to the workshop (registration fee, less $50 will be refunded). Afterwards, no refunds will be made for cancellations.