Michigan has announced the Unmanned Triple Challenge for May 2025, a state-sponsored competition to drive innovation in autonomous drone technology.
Entrants will be tasked with using unmanned, autonomous drones to seamlessly transport a package across Michigan traversing air, land, and water. The Michigan National Guard, Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), and Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) are partnering on the competition.
“Michigan’s legacy in innovation and manufacturing makes it the ideal location to achieve accelerated development and application of autonomous unmanned systems. The Unmanned Triple Challenge is on par with other world class competitions that test the mettle of participants,” says U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general of the Michigan National Guard and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
“We look forward to hosting the challenge and incorporating lessons learned by our combat-tested service members,” continued Rogers, “it is exciting to imagine the possibility and create what will become an annual must attend event for the most forward thinking innovators of unmanned systems across commercial, military and recreational interests.”
Companies across the nation, including many in Michigan, are working on the next generation of drones for a wide variety of defense, civilian, and commercial uses. These drones deliver medicine to isolated communities, support military personnel on the front lines, and transport critical manufacturing components to cut down on production delays.
Participants from industry, academia, military, and governments are encouraged to participate in the challenge which will be held from May 19 to 22, 2025.
The competition will begin at Rogers City Quarry, goes through the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, and ends at Camp Grayling.
Michigan has become one of the top states in the nation for aerospace, officials state. It is home to the Unmanned AerialSystems Consortium (MUASC), supporting the development of Unmanned Aerial Systems through coordinated services, access to unique airspace, and diverse geography. Additionally, there are seven FAA UAS Test Sites in Michigan.
When it comes to state rankings:
- Michigan is within the Top 10 in the nation for aerospace manufacturing attractiveness.
- Michigan is home to more than 600 aerospace-related companies.
- Michigan has the 6th largest advanced manufacturing workforce in the country, with more than 62,800 workers employed in advanced manufacturing industries in 2023.
- Michigan leads the nation in concentration of employment for commercial and mechanical engineers.
- The University of Michigan boasts the No. 3 ranked undergraduate aerospace engineering program in the country.
- Michigan is home to two lightweight materials manufacturing U.S.A. institutes.
- Michigan has the highest concentration of electrical and mechanical engineers in the nation.
