How Tulsa's Tech Hub unlocks new UAS testing capabilities to accelerate widespread, safe adoption of autonomous systems

This blog is the second in a series featuring seven component projects outlined in the Tulsa Hub for Equitable and Trustworthy Autonomy’s (THETA) phase 2 application for the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Tech Hubs program in which Tech Hub designees are eligible to apply for up to $70 million in implementation funding.

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The past few years have seen a new period of innovation in the aviation and aerospace industries, driven by advances in autonomy, connectivity and hardware technology. These advances have made operations possible that once seemed futuristic – from last-mile delivery and infrastructure inspection to emergency response and transportation. 

While these pilot cases are exciting, these innovations will only benefit society when they can be deployed safely and at scale in complex, real-world environments. This will require updates to regulations and advances in the underlying technologies to track, monitor and share data between multiple systems.

The Secure Autonomy Feedback and Evaluation Testbed (SAFE-T) project, part of the Tulsa Hub for Equitable and Trustworthy Autonomy (THETA), aims to address these limitations in the testing and regulatory landscape. The initiative focuses on removing the barriers to scalability in the UAS industry by providing a comprehensive testing facility that integrates cybersecurity expertise, advanced sensors and simulation capabilities. This comprehensive approach aims to address the interoperability, resilience, data management and threat detection challenges that currently hinder the autonomous systems industry.

SAFE-T will build upon the assets available at Skyway Range, a collaboration between Tulsa Innovation Labs, Osage LLC, and the Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research & Education (OAIRE) at Oklahoma State University. Funded under a previous EDA grant, the Build Back Better Regional Challenge, Skyway Range offers infrastructure for drone operators, established companies, researchers and innovative startups to test their operations in an unparalleled variety of environments. Recent demonstrations at Skyway Range include technologies to improve the accuracy of local weather predictions, deliver parcels and support first responders.

Building on this progress, SAFE-T is designed to validate the security of autonomous systems against routine disruptions and malicious threats – a critical step toward the widespread deployment of these technologies. SAFE-T will feature advanced testing equipment, threat replication capabilities, expanded staff and business development strategies to facilitate the maturation of TEAS technologies. Notably, the project will collaborate with various partners, including Oklahoma State University, The University of Tulsa and DronePort Network, to develop a state-of-the-art testbed.

The project underscores the importance of collaboration between various stakeholders, including Osage LLC, the Oklahoma Cyber Innovation Institute and the Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education. Together, they aim to ensure SAFE-T not only advances the field of autonomous systems but also promotes economic prosperity and resilience within the Osage Nation and other rural communities in the Tulsa region.

This initiative will transform the Tulsa region into the leading destination for companies and researchers working on secure and trustworthy autonomy, fostering economic growth and national security benefits.  By establishing a leading-edge testing and simulation environment, SAFE-T is set to catalyze the growth of this industry in the Tulsa region and across the nation, supporting the creation of high-quality jobs and positioning Tulsa as a global economic leader in secure autonomy with autonomous systems worldwide bearing the moniker, “Tested and Made in Tulsa, USA.”  Through this initiative, the project seeks to democratize access to goods, services and transportation, particularly for underserved Tribal and rural communities, heralding a new era of secure and equitable autonomy. 

Tulsa was one of 31 regions designated a “Tech Hub” in phase 1 of the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Tech Hubs program in October 2023.  The EDA is expected to announce the phase 2 winners this summer.  

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