You hear about their exploits in war zones, killing terrorists and capturing vital surveillance images.

Amazon talks about using them to deliver packages to your house.

And someday soon they may even fly you soon coast to coast.

This is the world of drones and a group of local engineers and drone enthusiasts want to make sure the Space Coast plays a significant role in the burgeoning technology. That's why the Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems (AUVSI) is starting the Space Coast Satellite Chapter, focusing on robotics and autonomous systems like drones.

With area companies like Harris Corp., Northrop Grumman Corp. and others already deeply involved in those technologies, Brevard County seems have a good start.

The new AUVSI chapter is holding a kickoff event at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at Groundswell Startups, 2412 Irwin St, Melbourne. All persons interested in unmanned systems and technology are welcome to attend.

"The Space Coast has such an amazing and storied history," said Brian Wynne,

president and CEO of AUVSI. "We are thrilled for the technology rebirth currently

underway — this new chapter is testament to our support to help enable that growth,”

The Space Coast Satellite Chapter, a subsidiary of AUVSI’s Florida Peninsula Chapter, will focus on building awareness and dialogue among the region’s defense, civil, commercial, academic, and government sectors. The satellite chapter will also support a new Brevard County School Board Science, Technology, Engineering and Math initiative to bring AUVSI Foundation SeaPerch kits to area middle and high schools.

Uses for drone technology seem endless in Brevard. They're already being used to monitor the Indian River Lagoon and the coast for environmental purposes, not to mention inspecting crops and structural damage to buildings.

AUVSI unanimously selected Melbourne unmanned systems entrepreneur Todd A. Hillhouse to lead the new Space Coast satellite chapter.

Hillhouse, who will serve as the interim chapter director, will engage with local and regional companies, entrepreneurs, government agencies, and academic institutions to capitalize upon the momentum already building throughout the region.

“While growing up in the Midwest I remember watching the future happen right here in the Space Coast," Hillhouse said. "The whole world had eyes on Florida. We will see Florida once again capture the attention of the world."

Uses for drone technology seem endless in Brevard. They're already being used to monitor the Indian River Lagoon and the coast for environmental purposes, not to mention inspecting crops and structural damage to buildings.

"Companies, entrepreneurs, scientists, engineers, educators and members of this new satellite chapter will come together to transform this area into not just the Space Coast, but the 'Space and Technology Coast,' ” Hillhouse said.

For more information and to RSVP for Wednesday's event visit www.AUVSIspacecoast.org.

Contact Price at 321-242-3658 or wprice@floridatoday.com. You can also follow him on Twitter @Fla2dayBiz.