Successful opening of XPONENTIAL 2026

In general perception, Day 1 of the XPONENTIAL program often feels like it doesn’t get enough attention. However, even before the actual exhibition hall opens, numerous technical events, workshops, presentations, and panel discussions take place. Perhaps to elevate this part of the grand event, the organizers came up with something special for Detroit: an additional keynote session featuring prominent speakers.

The keynotes that kick off the XPONENTIAL days are the highlights of the multi-day program. Here, the most prominent speakers take the stage; here, the tone for the entire event and beyond is set. While the full program usually leaves little room for breaks, the keynote sessions focus everyone’s attention on the single grand stage. This was also the case on Monday afternoon when Michael Robbins, the President and CEO of the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), warmly welcomed participants in his hometown. But it wasn’t just the setting that brought a smile to his face; he had the honor of inviting a particularly prominent speaker to the stage: Gretchen Whitmer, the Governor of the U.S. state of Michigan.

As the host, Michael Robbins, President & CEO of AUVSI, welcomed the many visitors to the first keynote session of XPONENTIAL 2026

„Come, build it in Michigan“

In her speech, the Democratic politician passionately promoted Michigan as a central pillar of the American defense industry and the emerging UxS industry in the U.S. She emphasized the significance of uncrewed systems for the country’s future and „her“ state. „Come, build it in Michigan“, she urged the audience at the end of her address. She referenced Detroit and the Great Lakes region’s role in developing and producing an innovative „Arsenal of Democracy“, which significantly contributed to the United States’ victory in World War II and its status as a superpower. Michigan aims to play a central role in developing a „Uncrewed Arsenal of Democracy“.

Democratic Governor of the U.S. state of Michigan, Gretchen Whitmer, advocated for the Detroit area as a site for development and progress in the UxS industry

Historical parallels

The theme of historical parallels and the importance of innovative, mass-produced products for both economic and military strength was evident throughout the first keynote session. Historian and bestselling author Arthur Herman vividly described how nations gained decisive advantages during crises and wars with suitable technological responses and dominance in key future technologies.

The program of conferences and panels is so extensive that it is difficult to decide which ones to attend 

Harmonized concepts instead of individual solutions

The discussion also touched upon how technological strength can be translated into real economic benefits, at least implicitly, in many of the presentations and discussion rounds in the conference program. It was particularly interesting to observe that users’ perspectives were increasingly brought into focus. Additionally, the value of standards and dialogue among all stakeholders was highlighted. To ensure that uncrewed systems can be produced and deployed on an industrial scale, harmonized concepts, rather than individual solutions, are necessary. Only then can the transition from promising technology to scalable business models and large-scale operational deployment succeed.