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 Purple 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, widely known for his or her versatility and reliability throughout business, industrial, and tutorial UAV functions. Developed out of the unique Pixhawk undertaking, CubePilot’s ecosystem has grown right into a cornerstone of the DIY drone {and professional} UAV sectors.
Their mission is obvious: empower innovation by means of open structure, providing sturdy, adaptable autopilot options that may function the mind of every thing from supply drones to tutorial analysis platforms. With a vibrant person base and an emphasis on transparency and suppleness, CubePilot has constructed a world group 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 huge 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 taken care of 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. Sarcastically, a kind 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 Keep 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, sturdy vitality, and memorable swag. My buddy continues to be bragging a couple of energy adapter he acquired from final 12 months.”
Because the evening wound down, Travis was headed for the door when pals 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 referred to as. “I couldn’t imagine it. It nonetheless doesn’t really feel actual.”
Extra Than a Trophy – A Image of Innovation
For Travis, the gold-plated Dice Purple isn’t only a prize – it’s a logo. “This represents the exhausting work of so many sensible 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 below 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 huge sneakers to fill.”
Championing Open-Supply and the UAV Neighborhood
Travis’ ardour for open-source UAV growth is rooted in his perception in shared data.
“The whole lot I’ve realized on this area 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 rely on when your drone’s within the air is gravity. Don’t get too comfy – keep curious and preserve pushing the boundaries.”
And what excites him most in regards to the business at the moment? “It’s the folks,” he mentioned. “The challenges are fascinating, however it’s the group that makes it worthwhile.”
A Shoutout to the Unsung Heroes
Earlier than wrapping up, Travis had a particular message for a gaggle typically neglected: the advertising and marketing workforce. “I heard a minimum of half a dozen of us on the occasion say, ‘I’m simply in advertising and marketing.’ 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!”
Wanting Forward
With a golden Dice now in his arms and new tasks 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 group come collectively – and generally, all it takes is sticking round for yet another raffle.
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Paul Rossi, US Military Veteran, is the President at 9 Ten Drones, a N. C.-based drone providers firm, coaching middle, and reseller. A graduate of Embry Riddle Aeronautical College (ERAU) and the U.S. Military Aviation Logistics Faculty, 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 at the moment 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 data 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, an expert 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 targeted on the business drone area 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 and marketing for brand spanking new applied sciences.
For drone business consulting or writing, Electronic mail Miriam.
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