The Future of Flight: How AI and Advanced Manufacturing are Transforming Drone Innovation
Drone innovation depends not only on smarter design, but on manufacturing capabilities that can keep up with a fast-moving market. In this session, our panel will explore how advanced manufacturing is helping accelerate drone development through faster iteration, improved production agility, and the ability to produce increasingly complex parts. Drawing from both aerospace product development and manufacturing perspectives, the conversation will also address how AI-driven tools are contributing to the broader innovation process. Attendees will gain practical insight into how manufacturers are adapting to support the future of flight.
Speakers
Chris GottliebGlobal Product Director for CNC Machining and Sheet Metal Fabrication, ProtolabsChris delivers a customer needs perspective to the Protolabs organization while leading the CNC machining and sheet metal fabrication product management teams. She has more than 25 years of manufacturing experience, having worked with customers in aerospace and defense, automation, industrial machinery, and more. Having started as a calibration engineer in Detroit, Chris has a passion for systems engineering and optimization in technical fields. She has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame, a Master of Science from University of Michigan – Dearborn, and a Master of Business Administration from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. |
Matthew VaerewyckFounder of Pathfinder Labs and Former NASA EngineerMatthew is an aerospace engineer, entrepreneur, and former NASA engineer specializing in advanced design automation, artificial intelligence, and digital engineering. During his time at NASA, he led and supported engineering efforts spanning spacecraft development, generative design, and AI-enabled engineering workflows. Today, as founder of Pathfinder Labs, he develops AI-powered engineering tools and commercial software that help organizations accelerate product development through automation, advanced CAD integration, and digital manufacturing. |
Douglas NicklinHP Additive Manufacturing Unmanned Systems, Lead — AMS at HPDouglas is the Unmanned Systems Lead for HP's Additive Manufacturing Solutions, with 8 years at HP and 11 years of service in the U.S. Navy. His expertise in data analytics, optical engineering, and nuclear engineering supports the development of advanced manufacturing solutions. |
