The University of Texas at Arlington recently unveiled the Maverick Autonomous Vehicle Research Center (MAVRC), an outdoor netted drone facility to aid testing and development of autonomous technology. Located at UTARI, UT Arlington’s research institute in Fort Worth, the 120-by-150-foot structure is 40 feet high and is equipped with 26 motion-capture cameras, wireless internet and nighttime lighting. A connected 720-square-foot control and observation center allows researchers, students and industry partners to test advanced autonomous aerial vehicles in a controlled environment compliant with FAA standards.
“Located in Fort Worth, the Aviation and Defense Capital of Texas, this state-of-the-art center positions our region at the forefront of autonomous systems research,” said Wayne Atchley, vice president for regional campuses. “MAVRC is not just a building; it is a hub where faculty, students and industry come together to solve real-world problems. 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.”
According to UTA’s press release, MAVRC will support a wide range of projects, from improving drones’ ability to navigate obstacles and carry payloads to testing surveillance and security systems to monitoring crops and the environment to inspecting bridges, power lines and supply chains.
“This is a partnership between the College of Engineering and UTARI,” said Peter Crouch, dean of the College of Engineering. “Given the complicated restrictions of flying unmanned aerial vehicles, this space will play a pivotal role in helping us innovate and advance the technology in a safe environment.”
Eileen Clements, interim executive director of UTARI, added that MAVRC will also serve industry and government partners.
“This is a perfect addition to UTARI, where we specialize in applying cutting-edge technologies to real-world engineering problems,” she said. “We are excited for all the new opportunities this facility will enable for UTA faculty, researchers and students, as well as our business partners in the North Texas community.”
More information about the MAVRC facility can be found on UTA’s website.
About The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)
Celebrating its 130th anniversary in 2025, The University of Texas at Arlington is a growing public research university in the heart of the thriving Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. With a student body of over 42,700, UTA is the second-largest institution in the University of Texas System, offering more than 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Recognized as a Carnegie R-1 university, UTA stands among the nation’s top 5% of institutions for research activity. UTA and its 280,000 alumni generate an annual economic impact of $28.8 billion for the state. The University has received the Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation from the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities and has earned recognition for its focus on student access and success, considered key drivers to economic growth and social progress for North Texas and beyond.
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Ian McNabb is a journalist focusing on drone technology and lifestyle content at Dronelife. He is based between Boston and NH and, when not writing, enjoys hiking and Boston area sports.
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