UND RIAS

We are excited to explore different ways to collaborate with Auriga Space!



https://blogs.und.edu/und-today/2026/03/und-signs-memo-of-understanding-to-advance-hypersonics-other-technologies/?utm_source=mailpoet&utm_medium=email&utm_source_platform=mailpoet&utm_campaign=UND%20Faculty%20Named%20to%20‘World’s%20Top%202%25%20Scientists’%20List%C2%A0

UND signs Memo of Understanding to advance hypersonics, other technologies - UND Today Collaboration with Auriga Space reinforces UND’s growing leadership in space, counter-UAS and hypersonics technologies

We’ve launched a new way to stay connected with everything happening at RIAS!

From research highlights and partnerships to events and student involvement, this space will feature the latest updates from the Research Institute for Autonomous Systems.

Follow along here: https://blogs.und.edu/rias/

We are heading back to AUVSI Xponential 2026 in Detroit, Michigan, May 11-14!

The University of North Dakota will once again be showcasing our leadership in uncrewed autonomous systems, space, autonomy, and national security research.

Booth #12023
⏰ May 11-14, 2026
📍 Huntington Place | Detroit, Michigan

If you'll be attending, make plans to stop by and connect with our team. We're looking forward to another great year alongside industry partners and innovators from across the country!

The Research Institute for Autonomous Systems (RIAS) played a critical leadership role in the recent counter-UAS testing effort highlighted by DHS S&T. RIAS led the full test event, managing day-to-day scheduling, coordinating operations across partners, and ensuring all evaluations were conducted safely and effectively.

Their work reflects a strong commitment to advancing national security capabilities and supporting the development of technologies designed to mitigate nefarious drone activity.



Read more about this effort here:�🔗

Feature Article: Taking Nefarious Drones Out of the Fight | Homeland Security S&T collaborated with government, industry, and academia to test and evaluate advanced kinetic methods for countering unmanned aircraft systems.

Join The North Dakota Row at XPONENTIAL 2026!
📍 Detroit, MI | 📅 May 11–14, 2026

Showcase North Dakota’s leadership in uncrewed systems, defense innovation, and advanced manufacturing alongside partners like UND and the Northern Plains UAS Test Site. Exhibitors receive a special incentive rate and prime placement within the Defense Technology Zone.

Why participate?
• High-profile, branded ND pavilion
• Collaboration opportunities with other ND partners
• Curated B2B/B2G networking & 150+ sessions

👉 Finalize by Dec. 5 to lock in the ND incentive rate.
Contact Michael Haman ([email protected]) to inquire!

This summer, the UND RIAS team, in collaboration with UND Aerospace, the Northern Plains UAS Test Site, New Mexico State University, University of Alaska Fairbanks, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, and Mississippi State University, participated in the final demonstration of the ASSURE A60 project (Evaluation of UAS Integration Safety and Security Technologies in the NAS). The goal was to validate test methodologies and provide technical approaches for assessing UAS safety and security technologies within the National Airspace System. This included evaluating the potential for interference with airborne avionics, communications, navigation and surveillance systems, air traffic management systems, and other ground-based infrastructure. Over the past couple years, teams conducted tests in diverse environments such as Fairbanks, Alaska; Cape May, New Jersey; Santa Teresa, New Mexico; Camp Grafton South, North Dakota; and Starkville, Mississippi, to determine how environmental factors influence technology performance. This final event focused on wildfire conditions, providing the FAA with critical data on how these environments impact system capabilities.

The annual RIAS Advisory Board meeting kicked off two days in Grand Forks, ND with briefings, demonstrations, and a tour showcasing current initiatives. We appreciate the thoughtful dialogue and collaboration as we continue advancing our mission.