Standout Fullerton College student Eric Park, along with the Hornet Drone Team, has qualified for the finals of the inaugural A2RL Autonomous Drone Race. The finals will take place April 11-12 in Abu Dhabi, bringing together the brightest minds in autonomous drone technology from around the world.

Being one of the 12 international teams to qualify for the finals and compete for the $1 million prize, the Hornet Drone Team represents a groundbreaking collaboration between Fullerton College, students from the University of California, Irvine, and top-tier pilots from Cyclone Drone Racing. Since October 2024, Eric and the team have been developing the artificial intelligence (AI) powering their autonomous racing drone, helping to set a new standard for innovation in the field and break new ground in AI and drone technology that opens doors toward a new future in autonomy.

“As a community college student, it is truly extraordinary to have the opportunity to demonstrate my technical skills on the global stage in a field like autonomous drones,” Park said. “Qualifying for the finals represents not only a personal achievement but also a testament to the support and resources provided by the college and Professor Jay. Competing in the finals in Abu Dhabi is a once in a lifetime opportunity to engage with the world's brightest minds in the field of robotics and autonomous vehicles.”

“This opportunity to compete on an international stage highlights the incredible talent and dedication of our students and collaborative partners,” said Jay Seidel, Director of the Fullerton College Drone Lab. “Eric and the Hornet Drone Team have shown what is possible when innovation and teamwork come together.”

Park is joined on the Hornet Drone Team by UC Irvine students Eric Pedley and Esh Vig, and by pilots Matthew Bamford and Breton Woodford from the Drone Champions League.

“It's phenomenal that Fullerton College will be on the world's stage in this competition, and we are we are so proud of this incredible achievement,” added Fullerton College President Dr. Cynthia Olivo.

In addition to this achievement, Park was also named as a finalist in the first-ever Pfizer Drone Racing League AI Flight Competition. This prestigious event challenged participants to design an AI model capable of autonomously piloting a virtual racing drone through a simulated environment.

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The A2RL (Autonomous Aerial Robotics League) Drone Competition is a premier event for cutting-edge autonomous drone technology, with teams developing advanced AI systems to tackle a series of dynamic challenges in high-speed, head-to-head drone racing. The competition’s emphasis on innovation and real-world application has quickly made it a focal point for emerging talent and technological breakthroughs.

The Pfizer DRL AI Flight Competition, hosted by the Drone Racing League (DRL), represents a significant milestone in merging AI technology with drone racing. The competition challenged participants to advance the boundaries of autonomous flight, and Eric’s victory underscores his expertise in leveraging AI to meet complex technical challenges.

The Hornet Drone Team’s qualification for the A2RL finals and Eric’s groundbreaking victory in the Pfizer DRL AI Flight Competition highlight the dynamic and innovative educational opportunities at Fullerton College. With a commitment to excellence and collaboration, the college continues to prepare students for leadership roles in the fast-growing field of drone technology.