One week from today, Houston becomes the global stage for uncrewed and autonomous innovation as XPONENTIAL 2025 takes over the George R. Brown Convention Center, May 19–22.
Co-hosted by the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) and Messe Düsseldorf North America (MDNA), this year’s event arrives at a pivotal moment amid record-setting proposed federal investments, accelerating policy changes, and rising demand for scalable uncrewed solutions. Thousands of leaders across defense, commercial, and public sectors will convene to shape the next chapter of uncrewed and autonomous systems.
“XPONENTIAL is where vision becomes action. This platform brings the full force of the uncrewed and autonomous systems ecosystem into one room—leaders, builders, and decision-makers who are actively shaping what comes next. This isn’t just a showcase of technology; it’s where strategic collaboration drives progress across defense, industry, and public sectors.” said Heather Lee, Chief Operating Officer at AUVSI.
2025 Show Highlights Include:
Keynote Speakers: Visionaries Shaping the Autonomous Landscape
Each day from May 20–23, top voices from across government, industry, and academia will take the keynote stage to share bold visions for the future of uncrewed systems, robotics, and autonomy. Representing the Department of Defense, the Federal Aviation Administration, national media, leading research institutions, and cutting-edge companies, this year’s keynote lineup reflects the full spectrum of leadership driving innovation in the field.
Speakers include:
- Chris Rocheleau, Acting Administrator, Federal Aviation Administration
- Lieutenant General Francis L. Donovan, Vice Commander, U.S. Special Operations Command
- Sue Gordon, Former Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence
- Matt Ocko, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, DCVC
- Jim VandeHei, Co-Founder and CEO of Axios
- Major General Michelle Link, Commanding General, 75th Innovation Command, U.S. Army Reserve
- Ryan Tseng, CEO & Co-Founder, Shield AI
Their insights will illuminate the trajectory of autonomy from national security to next-gen logistics, and the decisions shaping its deployment worldwide.
Essential Education: Tackling Rapid Growth, Policy Shifts, and Record Investments in Autonomy
This year’s XPONENTIAL educational programming is designed to meet the moment as robotics and autonomous systems surge into a new era of growth. With historic levels of proposed government investment and rapid shifts in policy, regulation, and procurement, the program offers critical insights for anyone navigating this fast-changing environment.
More than 400 experts will lead over 150 sessions exploring infrastructure readiness, advanced R&D, data and AI integration, cybersecurity, and regulatory trends. Whether in immersive workshops, deep-dive panels, or fast-paced theater talks in the XPO Hall, attendees will walk away equipped to lead in an industry that’s scaling faster, and more strategically, than ever before.
AUVSI Defense: The Uncrewed Arsenal for Democracy
AUVSI Defense at XPONENTIAL 2025 will spotlight the frontline integration of uncrewed, and autonomous technologies in military operations and national security missions. This dedicated programming brings together defense leaders, technologists, and policymakers to confront real-world implementation challenges, accelerate scalable solutions, and reinforce U.S. technological and manufacturing leadership.
From acquisition reform and open standards to cybersecurity and counter-UxS, the Defense Theater will address the critical enablers shaping tomorrow’s multi-domain force.
Defense Theater Highlights:
- U.S.-Taiwan Autonomous Systems Cooperation Forum
Tuesday, May 20 | 10:45 AM – 1:00 PM CST - SOCOM Townhall- Special Operations in a Shifting Threat Landscape: Strategic Insights from Leadership
Thursday, May 22, 2025 10:45 AM - 11:15 AM CDT - Ukraine Battlefield Laboratory and Cutting-Edge Defense Tech Trends
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 11:00 AM - 11:35 AM CDT
The XPO Hall: Showcasing Cutting-Edge Technologies
The XPO Hall will feature over 400 exhibitors presenting the latest advancements in uncrewed systems, robotics, and autonomy from Advanced Aerial Mobility and drones, Uncrewed Maritime Systems, Advanced Robotics and Embodied AI.
Attendees can get hands-on with breakthrough technologies across the floor, from full-sized eVTOLs and drones of all sizes to uncrewed ground and maritime vehicles—and yes, even agile robot dogs.
