In 2021, the University at Buffalo completed Phase 1 of the Structure for Outdoor Autonomy Research (SOAR). The facility is a 24,000-square-foot netted structure located off Maple Road on UB's North Campus. It is among the nation’s largest autonomy research and testing facilities on university campuses.

SOAR provides an enclosed space for training, teaching, and cutting-edge Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) research. Students, faculty, researchers and industry partners are invited to use the facility.