Role of drones in transportation focus of Leonard Transportation Center 2020 Inland Empire Regional Mobility Dialogue Series

The growing uses of drones in transportation and how industry is working to overcome those challenges will be the topic as the Leonard Transportation Center at Cal State San Bernardino presents the first of six dialogues on topics relevant to the future of transportation in the Inland Empire.
 
Now in its third year, the Leonard Transportation Center’s first dialogue will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 18, from 8-10 a.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, 1755 Waterman Ave., San Bernardino. Breakfast will be at 7:30 a.m.
 
The series is open to the public with platinum level sponsorship from HNTB Corporation, a national infrastructure solutions firm, the San Bernardino International Airport, and the San Bernardino Valley College.
 
In this session, titled “Drone Development in the Transportation Sector,” attendees will hear from four recognized experts on the growing uses of drones in the transportation sector and how industry is working to overcome challenges associated with the use of this exciting and valuable new technology:
 

• Curt Hagman – Fourth District supervisor, San Bernardino County
• Dan Dalton – executive vice president, Strategic Partnerships Airspace Systems
• Grant Hosticka – solutions engineer, DJI Enterprise
• Dr. Paul M. Foster, Jr., Ed.D. – FAASTeam program manager, OJT Program manager, Federal Aviation Administration

 
All four dialogue presenters are experienced, recognized leaders in the development and deployment of drone technologies who will share their own experiences and observations about what is ahead.
 
Drones are rapidly growing in popularity. They are still in their infancy in terms of mass adoption, but drones have already broken through barriers in industries which otherwise seemed impervious to rapid technological innovation.
 
Over the past few years, drones have become central to the functions of numerous businesses and governmental organizations and have even managed to prove useful in areas where technical innovation was stagnant. Increasing work efficiency and productivity, decreasing workload and production costs, improving accuracy, refining service and customer relations, and resolving security issues on a large scale are just a few of the applications drones offer industries globally.
 
Drone technologies are advancing quickly as another mode of transportation sector. Uses include surveying and data collection, as tools for construction projects, and there are plans for air taxis and deliveries in the future. There are several obvious security challenges that come with drone usage and new regulatory frameworks need to be established to protect safety, security and privacy.
 
This dialogue will provide the perspective from industry, the federal government, and the local community on the development of drone technologies for use in the Inland Empire.
 
Following the presentations, attendees will engage in a discussion with an opportunity to share concerns and ideas with transportation professionals, policy makers and each other.
Transportation experts from our Platinum Sponsors will facilitate this discussion and bring their experience and expertise to benefit the dialogue. Additional sponsors supporting the series include exp. Corporation, Foothill Transit Agency, Lane Construction Corporation and GLA Corporation.
 
As part of CSUSB, the Leonard Transportation Center brings people together to provide the facts, discuss the major issues, and work to resolve them. The center is committed to the notion that finding solutions to the mobility challenges in Southern California is much more likely when people from different walks of life are engaged in the conversations.
 
Kimberly Collins, LTC executive director, said, “We invite anyone interested in being part of the conversation and solution to join us for this innovative and engaging series.”
 
The cost for the dialogues is $25 per session, $10 for students. Registration fees cover a continental breakfast and conference materials. Parking is free. Attendance is limited to the first 50 registrants, so early registration is recommended. To register, visit the Mobility Dialogue Series webpage.
 

About Leonard Transportation Center
The Leonard Transportation Center (LTC) at California State University, San Bernardino opened in 2006 with a focus on regional transportation needs. The vision of Bill and Barbara Leonard was to create a center that focuses on the unique transportation opportunities and challenges the Inland Empire faces. Today, the LTC is working to expand its research and student engagement programs. Focal points include transportation management and governance issues, development of new technologies, and transnational studies. Their vision is to work collaboratively to seek solutions to assist residents, businesses, government and nonprofit agencies, and international partners to work together on improving sustainability and quality of life in the Inland Empire. For more information, visit Leonard Transportation Center website.