AUVSI, the unmanned vehicle association, has mostly focused on aerial vehicles for the military; underwater and on-the-ground products and services played a lessor role.

But this year the show reflected a change toward transitioning into the civilian sector led by underwater and on-the-ground providers because aerial drones cannot, at present be legally used in civilian airspace.

Hence interest was high for the keynote speeches by the heads of the FAA and the agency at the International Civil Aviation Organization involved with changing the rules, regulations, licensing and facilities to enable the Congressionally-mandated change by September, 2015.

Read the details including a long list of transitioning companies and their products.