Mark Valentine is a retired U.S. Air Force officer and a combat veteran F-16 pilot who served for over 25 years. Today, he is the President of Global Government at Skydio, a leading U.S. drone manufacturer. Despite his vast experience flying combat jets, Valentine admits that in today’s battlefield, drones impact results in ways that new jets or missiles cannot. As autonomous drones become more sophisticated, they now make far fewer errors compared to their human operators. However, in actual combat where lives are on the line, the humans behind the drones must face a deeper question about the desensitization that happens when a soldier uses a drone thousands of miles away, like a video game, to take another life.

The "Skydio X10D: Ensuring Mission Success" video underscores Skydio's commitment to comprehensive customer support and training, ensuring the successful deployment and operation of their drones. Unlike other companies that merely deliver products without follow-up, Skydio emphasizes an end-to-end support approach. This includes a dedicated "mission success" team that partners with customers post-sales to guarantee their success in utilizing Skydio products. Skydio’s approach involves personal delivery and hands-on setup assistance, demonstrating their commitment to customer appreciation and operational readiness. The company also provides robust field training globally, ensuring that customers can maximize the value of their drones even in contested or high-risk areas. The global government team, composed of individuals with relevant backgrounds and expertise, plays a critical role in understanding and fulfilling customer needs. This team’s unique insights, having come from similar environments as their customers, enable Skydio to offer refined pre- and post-sale support. Customer feedback highlights Skydio’s strong product performance and exceptional support, distinguishing them from competitors. In summary, Skydio’s X10D program is characterized by comprehensive support, in-depth training, and a strong emphasis on customer success, ensuring that their drones are not just products but integral parts of a fully supported drone program.

Students explored cutting-edge drone technology and learned from first responders from the Chicago Police Department, Fire Department, and Office of Emergency Management. Students learned how drones are shaping the future of public safety and STEM education, providing hope and opportunities for the youth of Englewood. Don’t miss the powerful demonstrations, insightful talks, and the donation of Skydio drones to the school!

Watch Skydio CEO Adam Bry's testimony before the Select Committee on the importance of autonomous drones, challenges from Chinese manufacturers, and the need for robust U.S. policies to ensure national security and technological leadership. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=598JDFGj-oA

Sundt, one of the largest 100% employee-owned construction companies in the southwest, specializes in a number of construction projects including transportation, commercial building, industrial, and renewable energy. Skydio’s drones have streamlined Sundt’s drone operations in a big way, saving them time and money, while opening up additional avenues for revenue. Because of this, they are planning on transitioning their entire fleet to Skydio drones this year. This speaks to just how much Skydio is set to change the paradigm within the construction industry.

Sumner County first responders using drones to save lives

Sumner County Sheriff's Office uses drone to save man's life