EPFL to become drone central in early September

From 1 to 3 September 2017, EPFL's Ecublens campus will host the first-ever EPFL Drone Days. This event, which will include the Swiss drone racing championship, a robotics showcase and related conferences, is expected to attract a broad public. The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) will be the stage for an unprecedented air show during the EPFL Drone Days this coming September. The event, which is being organized in partnership with the Swiss Rotor Sports Association (SRSA), the National Centre of Competence in Research Robotics (NCCR Robotics) and the World Air Sports Federation (FAI), will combine a spectacular drone race, an exhibition on the latest advances in robotics research, and conferences on innovation, safety and sport - all in the same place. EPFL Drone Days is aimed at both the general public and experts in aerial technology, and visitors will be able to watch demonstrations, attend workshops and try their hand at flying with either a drone or a simulator. The country's top pilots Spectacular drone races will be held on campus throughout the three days as part of the SRSA Cup 2017. Switzerland's top flyers - wearing special viewing goggles that receive a live feed from an on-board camera so that they can steer from the drones' perspective - will race at speeds of up to 150kmph.