CALIFORNIA, Md., June 20, 2025 — Over 50 international student teams will gather at St. Mary’s County Regional Airport from June 24 to June 26 for the 2025 Student Unmanned Aerial Systems (SUAS) Competition, hosted by RoboNation. The three-day event challenges university and high-performing high school students to design and operate autonomous drones in realistic mission scenarios, showcasing skills critical to the future of the UAS industry. The competition, held annually since 2002, bridges classroom learning with real-world applications, preparing students for careers in robotics and technology.
Teams will demonstrate their unmanned aerial systems (UASs) in tasks like autonomous navigation, obstacle avoidance, aerial imaging, and precision payload delivery. These missions mirror cutting-edge uses of drone technology in industries such as defense, logistics, and agriculture. Approximately 300 students from 53 teams will participate, testing their expertise in systems engineering, coding, and airspace safety while fostering teamwork and innovation.
“Workforce development is at the heart of the SUAS Competition,” said Daryl Davidson, President & CEO of RoboNation. “This event equips students with real-world skills, fosters a solution-oriented mindset, and provides the collaborative experience needed to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving technology workforce.” RoboNation, a nonprofit dedicated to robotics education, has managed the competition since 2023, emphasizing hands-on learning to build tomorrow’s tech workforce.
The event kicks off on June 24, with mission demonstration flights scheduled from the morning of June 25 through June 26. An awards ceremony on the afternoon of June 26 will conclude the competition, recognizing top teams for their technical achievements and creativity. Media and invited guests from industry and government are welcome to attend. For visitor information, contact Alicia Gavin at agavin@robonation.org.
RoboNation’s SUAS Competition highlights the growing importance of autonomous systems in global industries. By engaging students in complex, mission-based challenges, the event cultivates skills that align with workforce demands. The nonprofit supports nine educational programs across K-12 and university levels, empowering students to tackle global challenges through robotics. For more details on the competition, visit https://robonation.org/programs/suas/.
The St. Mary’s County Regional Airport provides an ideal setting for the event, offering ample space for flight demonstrations and a backdrop that underscores Southern Maryland’s role as a hub for technology and innovation. As students compete, they not only showcase their technical prowess but also contribute to advancing the future of UAS technology.
