The University of Texas at Arlington has launched a $2.3 million autonomous systems research facility aimed at supporting applied innovation in private- and public-sector use cases ranging from emergency response to infrastructure inspection.
Located at the university’s Research Institute in Fort Worth, the Maverick Autonomous Vehicle Research Center (MAVRC) is designed to accelerate the development and testing of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technologies. The facility provides a controlled test environment where researchers and partners can evaluate autonomous systems in realistic outdoor conditions while remaining compliant with aviation regulations.
One of the center’s distinguishing features is its netted outdoor enclosure, measuring 120 feet by 150 feet with a height of 40 feet. Outfitted with 26 motion-capture cameras, wireless networking and nighttime lighting, the space allows for full-scale flight testing of drones without the need for Federal Aviation Administration waivers. This makes MAVRC particularly valuable for vendors and public-sector partners seeking to test and validate drone performance under varied environmental conditions while avoiding the administrative burden of restricted airspace permissions.
The center supports collaborative research and development across a range of disciplines, including real-time control systems, AI-based navigation and multiagent coordination. It is positioned as a platform for joint research with government agencies, industry partners and other academic institutions. Vendors developing UAV platforms, autonomy software or sensor payloads can use the facility for prototyping, testing and performance demonstrations in support of public-sector applications.
Wayne Atchley, vice president for regional campuses, described the facility as a regional resource for both innovation and workforce development.
“MAVRC is not just a building; it is a hub where faculty, students and industry come together to solve real-world problems,” Atchley said. “It will be a catalyst for regional growth, preparing students for emerging careers, building strong industry partnerships and ensuring Fort Worth remains a leader in advanced air mobility.”
UT Arlington officials have highlighted several key areas of research with direct relevance to state and local government, including disaster response, aerial infrastructure inspection and environmental monitoring. The center is also exploring use cases in public safety surveillance and agricultural analytics, aligning its research focus with operational needs across multiple public domains.
More information on the center’s capabilities, research priorities and partnership opportunities is available through the UT Arlington Research Institute.
UT Arlington Launches Autonomous Vehicle Research Center
What to Know:
- The $2.3 million facility in Fort Worth will support real-world testing and development of autonomous aerial systems for public- and private-sector use.
- The facility enables UAV testing without FAA waivers, thanks to a netted outdoor enclosure.
- The center invites collaboration with vendors and agencies on applied research in areas such as emergency response, infrastructure inspection, public safety and environmental monitoring.
via UTA Research Institute
