For our September HRC program (marking the end of my term as HRC chair), we welcome Omar Eleryan, founder and CEO of Cleo Robotics, who will present a LIVE talk and demonstration of the Dronut X1, a new and unconventional type of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that functions without exposed rotor blades. With the propellers mounted inside the collision-tolerant unit, the bi-rotor ducted design allows the unit to fly safely and securely into confined, sensitive and/or enclosed spaces. Of particular interest to natural and cultural resource managers, the drone features LIDAR-powered obstacle detection and sensors built for photo/video image and data collection, including 3D point-cloud output. Come for an overview of the role this innovative product plays for industrial and military applications, and then consider ways that it could facilitate documentation of precarious or inaccessible historic structures and sites.

Following the feature presentation, John Nunnari, Executive Director of AIA MA. Is scheduled to join us to unveil a proposal and plan by the Board of AIA Massachusetts to craft legislation that would update relevant sections of existing statutes related to 1) demolition of historic buildings and structures, 2) the processes/procedures with which all local Historic District Commissions (HDC) must comply, and 3) regulation of energy efficiency/sustainability/resiliency measures in historic buildings.