University Of Michigan Adds Drone Complex

Drones aren’t just a toy to use—they have a lot of utility on the farm, and college students are also getting in on the action as well.

The University of Michigan recently dedicated outdoor space for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This month, it opened M-Air, a four-story netted complex with an area of 9,600 square feet. 

The netting keeps the drones in an environment where situations such as natural lighting and wind conditions can be tested.

There are other universities that have similar facilities, such as Oklahoma State University, University of North Dakota and Kansas State University, Salina. U of M felt this is a necessary tool to teach students interested in this growing industry.

One project the university is working on in this new space is testing roofing robots that would be able to install shingles without pulling out a ladder.

The facility cost $800,000 to construct.