Autonomous Vehicles

The University of Michigan (U-M) supports the safe and responsible use of unmanned aircraft systems (“UAS,” also known as unmanned aerial vehicles or drones) in the course of research and educational activities and other endeavors in the pursuit of the U-M mission. Insurance and Claims Administration administers the review and approval process for drones operated by anyone on U-M property, and by U-M faculty, students and staff when engaged in U-M activities off of U-M property.  Use of autonomous vehicles inside of facilities is at the discretion and approval of the Facility Manager for the building of interest, and approval will not be granted without adequate measures in place to assure the safety of everyone in the area of use and the protection of sensitive building systems.  To that end, U-M EHS has created the following guidance.

Indoor Operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Guideline – This Guideline applies to the indoor use of UAS by anyone on the University of Michigan (U-M) Ann Arbor, Flint, and Dearborn campuses, and other U-M properties (e.g. Biological Station, Pellston, MI; Stinchfield Woods, Pinckney, MI; Camp Davis, Jackson, WY).  This Guideline also applies to the indoor use of UAS by U-M faculty, students, and staff for U-M sanctioned events off of U-M property.

This Guideline covers UAS flights in both general public spaces (atriums, lobbies, etc.) as well as in controlled classroom and laboratory settings.