XPONENTIAL Show

Reflecting on an incredible week at AUVSI XPONENTIAL Show 2026 in Detroit. One of the biggest takeaways for me wasn’t just the technology, it was the people behind it. Being able to connect with founders, executives, operators, and innovators who are building the future of defense, AI, autonomous systems, and global security was truly valuable. There’s a different level of energy when you’re surrounded by people focused on solving real-world challenges at a high level. Coming from the NFL world into international business, I’ve learned that high performance looks very similar no matter the industry: • Preparation • Discipline • Relationships • Execution That mindset continues to carry over into the work I do today with Elliott Barrett Group; helping companies explore opportunities and expansion into regions like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the broader Middle East. There’s massive momentum happening globally right now, especially across defense, emerging technology, infrastructure, and AI. The conversations this week reinforced just how important strategic partnerships and trusted relationships are becoming in international markets. Grateful for everyone who took the time to connect this week in Detroit. Excited for what’s ahead. AUVSI — Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International #AUVSI #XPONENTIAL2026 #DefenseTech #Leadership #GlobalExpansion #StrategicPartnerships #AI

XPONENTIAL 2026 is a wrap in Detroit. Roboticist and researcher Kate Darling closed out the keynote program with a look at the broader societal implications of robotics and human-robot interaction. RoboNation CEO Daryl Davidson followed with a workforce development update and an early preview of XPONENTIAL 2027 in Miami. Thursday also highlighted domestic manufacturing, public safety drone integration, and construction and infrastructure applications, keeping the energy high through the final hour on the show floor. Four days. More than 550 exhibitors. Thousands of leaders from industry, government, defense, academia, and investment communities all in one place. See you in Miami for XPONENTIAL 2027. Read the full recap: https://lnkd.in/ePmPJfhk #XPO26 #Autonomy #Detroit

Detroit. Done. Four days at XPONENTIAL 2026 — the world's largest uncrewed systems event. Oded Napchi represented Althimis at the XPO+ Launcher, competing among the most promising companies in the industry. The conversations happening here confirm what we're building toward: uncrewed systems are no longer emerging technology. They are the operational reality. Training, simulation, and mission readiness are the next frontier. More to come. XPONENTIAL Show | AUVSI — Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International | Messe Düsseldorf North America #XPO26 #UnmannedSystems #SimulationTechnology

That was a home win. At today's XPO+ Launcher event at XPONENTIAL Show in Detroit, at the end of a great pitch session, the jury voted for the Team of AG3 Labs from Milford, Michigan, for the top spot. In a close race, WayWave came in second, and @floxintelligence finished third. A great jury, with experts in financing, business acceleration, and funding, had a critical eye on the candidates, their business models, and their ability to convince the audience with facts, figures, and, last but not least, personality. The XPO+ Launcher is a fantastic opportunity for Startups to step into the Spotlight and get the chance to bring themselves on the map both at XPONENTIAL in the US and at XPONENTIAL Europe in Düsseldorf. A huge shoutout to Mark Waechter, the Master of Ceremonies, who once again brought a strong lineup to XPONENTIAL, both in the participating companies and the jury. #xpo26 #XPO+

Day Three of XPONENTIAL 2026 kept the momentum going in Detroit. The morning keynote program zeroed in on the realities of scaling autonomy from innovation to operational deployment, with conversations spanning trusted supply chains, commercial-first acquisition, semiconductor access, advanced manufacturing, and counter-UAS systems protecting critical infrastructure. Speakers included leaders from the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Echodyne, D-Fend Solutions, and Tufts University professor and Chip War author Chris Miller. Beyond the keynote theater, government roundtables drew packed rooms, Drone Dominance Industry Day sessions brought direct engagement with the Blue UAS ecosystem, and the International Networking Event facilitated by the U.S. Department of Commerce strengthened collaboration across allied autonomy ecosystems worldwide. The sold-out XPO Hall also hosted the XPO+ Launcher Award Pitch, spotlighting the most promising early-stage companies in autonomy, robotics, and AI. And the AUVSI Chapter Awards closed the day on a high note, recognizing the AUVSI New England Chapter as Chapter of the Year. One full day still ahead. Detroit has been the center of the global autonomy conversation this week, and the final day is set to close it out strong. https://lnkd.in/eqM9EXwz #XPO26 #Autonomy #Detroit