By DRONELIFE Contributing Editor Paul Rossi
At XPONENTIAL 2025, amidst the cutting-edge know-how and UAV innovation, one unforgettable second stood out – when Travis Claypool, a UAV engineer with SPH Engineering, walked away from the CubePilot after celebration with a gold-plated Dice Pink flight controller in hand. However this wasn’t nearly a fortunate raffle – it was a second that symbolized Travis’ journey from educator to engineer and CubePilot’s influence on the worldwide drone ecosystem.
The Legacy of CubePilot
CubePilot is the corporate behind the open-source Dice flight controllers, well known for his or her versatility and reliability throughout industrial, industrial, and educational UAV functions. Developed out of the unique Pixhawk venture, CubePilot’s ecosystem has grown right into a cornerstone of the DIY drone {and professional} UAV sectors.
Their mission is evident: empower innovation by way of open structure, providing sturdy, adaptable autopilot options that may function the mind of all the pieces from supply drones to educational analysis platforms. With a vibrant consumer base and an emphasis on transparency and adaptability, CubePilot has constructed a worldwide neighborhood round exploration, reliability, and steady development.
So when CubePilot throws an after celebration, folks present up – and this 12 months in Houston, it paid off large for one fortunate visitor.
A UAV Profession Rooted in Household and Curiosity
Travis Claypool’s journey into drones didn’t begin in a lab or a startup – it began in his grandfather’s storage.
“My grandfather was a civil engineer and sometimes sorted me and my brother,” Travis shared. “We’d watch him construct issues, and if we have been good, we earned some laptop time. He had a deep love for rising know-how, and UAVs are how I carry that curiosity ahead.”
That spirit of constructing and tinkering finally led Travis to show aerospace engineering, the place he impressed college students to look past textbooks by showcasing actual job postings throughout class. Mockingly, a type of postings finally impressed his personal leap. “I noticed I used to be able to get off the sidelines and begin constructing once more,” he mentioned.
A Night time to Bear in mind at The Rustic
The CubePilot after celebration at The Rustic in Houston was buzzing with vitality, and it didn’t take a lot to get Travis there.
“The phrase ‘free drinks and free meals’ was all of the convincing I wanted,” he joked. “CubePilot at all times has nice gear, robust vitality, and memorable swag. My buddy remains to be bragging a couple of energy adapter he acquired from final 12 months.”
Because the night time wound down, Travis was headed for the door when buddies satisfied him to hold again for the raffle. “I by no means win these items,” he mentioned. However as destiny would have it, standing close to the exit gave him a front-row seat when his quantity was known as. “I couldn’t consider it. It nonetheless doesn’t really feel actual.”
Extra Than a Trophy – A Image of Innovation
For Travis, the gold-plated Dice Pink isn’t only a prize – it’s an emblem. “This represents the arduous work of so many good folks,” he mentioned. “It’s a reminder of the innovation that others have constructed and that we proceed to construct on. I really feel fortunate to be part of that course of.”
Although Travis has labored on many drones with Dice controllers underneath the hood, this would be the first one he’s owned himself. And he plans to place it to good use. “This Dice is gonna fly,” he promised. “I’m engaged on ideas that use AI and real-time web connectivity for autonomous decision-making in flight. The final winner of this Dice constructed one thing wonderful – I’ve acquired large footwear to fill.”
Championing Open-Supply and the UAV Group
Travis’ ardour for open-source UAV growth is rooted in his perception in shared data.
“All the things I’ve realized on this house has been constructed on the generosity of others,” he defined. “It’s just like the 3D printing world – sharing enhancements drives progress. Closed ecosystems finally alienate energy customers. Open-source retains innovation alive.”
His recommendation for newcomers within the drone world is humble and grounded: “The one factor you possibly can depend on when your drone’s within the air is gravity. Don’t get too snug – keep curious and preserve pushing the boundaries.”
And what excites him most in regards to the business in the present day? “It’s the folks,” he mentioned. “The challenges are fascinating, however it’s the neighborhood that makes it worthwhile.”
A Shoutout to the Unsung Heroes
Earlier than wrapping up, Travis had a particular message for a bunch usually missed: the advertising group. “I heard a minimum of half a dozen of us on the occasion say, ‘I’m simply in advertising.’ Please don’t promote your self quick,” he mentioned. “You’re superheroes – connecting folks to the tech all of us love. Sustain the good work!”
Trying Forward
With a golden Dice now in his arms and new initiatives on the horizon, Travis Claypool embodies the spirit of curiosity and collaboration that drives the UAV business ahead. His story is a testomony to how inspiration, alternative, and neighborhood come collectively – and generally, all it takes is sticking round for yet another raffle.
Learn extra:
Paul Rossi, US Military Veteran, is the President at 9 Ten Drones, a N. C.-based drone providers firm, coaching heart, and reseller. A graduate of Embry Riddle Aeronautical College (ERAU) and the U.S. Military Aviation Logistics College, Rossi is passionate in regards to the aviation business. He holds each a Non-public Pilot’s License w/ Instrument Ranking for manned plane and a Half 107 Distant Pilot’s Certificates. Rossi is presently finding out for his MS House Operations from ERAU, energized to increase his attain past Earth’s environment. You possibly can see extra movies and product info on the 9 Ten Drones YouTube channel and join with Paul on LinkedIn.com
Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, knowledgeable drone providers market, and a fascinated observer of the rising drone business and the regulatory setting for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles centered on the industrial drone house and is a world speaker and acknowledged determine within the business. Miriam has a level from the College of Chicago and over 20 years of expertise in excessive tech gross sales and advertising for brand new applied sciences.
For drone business consulting or writing, E mail Miriam.
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