Statement A. Approved for public release: distribution unlimited.
i
This page intentionally left blank.
ii
This page intentionally left blank.
iv
Executive Summary
The Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) and the Armed Services have made
extensive efforts to incorporate unmanned systems into their existing organization structures,
showing the integral importance that unmanned systems considerations represent. There is still
room for improved collaboration throughout the Department of Defense (DoD). Standardizing
the ongoing efforts, cooperating whenever possible, and consolidating the foundational policies
and technologies will enable the seamless teamwork that highlights future defense operations—
whether the teams are manned, unmanned, or combined.
The progress in unmanned systems technologies has highlighted the need to transition the
focus from specific domains to become domain agnostic. Advances in any domain are beneficial
across all domains. Future operations will rely heavily upon multi-domain capabilities that must
interface and integrate seamlessly into a Joint Force structure.
DoD, industry, and academia have advanced technologies, strategies, and standards that
challenge the evolution of unmanned systems and their integration into the DoD mission. These
major advancements, challenges, and trends can be consolidated into four critical themes, which
address foundational areas of interest that will continue to accelerate unmanned systems into the
future:
Interoperability – Interoperability has historically been, and continues to be, a major
thrust in the integration and operation of unmanned systems. Manned and unmanned
systems have increasingly synergized their capabilities, focusing on the critical need to
use open and common architectures. A robust interoperable foundation provides the
very structure that will allow for future advances in warfighting.
Autonomy – Advances in autonomy and robotics have the potential to revolutionize
warfighting concepts as a significant force multiplier. Autonomy will greatly increase
the efficiency and effectiveness of both manned and unmanned systems, providing a
strategic advantage for DoD.
Network Security– Unmanned systems operations ordinarily rely on networked
connections and efficient spectrum access. Network vulnerabilities must be addressed to
prevent disruption or manipulation.
Human-Machine Collaboration – If interoperability lays the foundation, then human-
machine collaboration is the ultimate objective. Teaming between human forces and
machines will enable revolutionary collaboration where machines will be valued as
critical teammates.
The supporting policy, requirements, and acquisition environments must continue to
evolve and advance to keep pace with the rapid technical and capability advancements of all
systems. To ensure our military advantage, emphasis should be placed on the evolution,
availability, and employment of unmanned technology. Alignment of DoD initiatives in
unmanned systems will influence the future makeup of the U.S. military.
v
This page intentionally left blank.
vi
Table of Contents
1
Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 1
1.1 Purpose ................................................................................................................................ 1
1.2 Themes and Enablers .......................................................................................................... 4
2
Interoperability ....................................................................................................................... 6
2.1 Common/Open Architectures ............................................................................................. 6
2.2 Modularity and Parts Interchangeability ............................................................................. 7
2.3 Compliance/Test, Evaluation, Verification, and Validation ............................................... 9
2.4 Data Transport Integration ................................................................................................ 11
2.5 Data Rights........................................................................................................................ 16
3
Autonomy ............................................................................................................................ 17
3.1 Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning ................................................................... 18
3.2 Increased Efficiency and Effectiveness ............................................................................ 20
3.3 Trust .................................................................................................................................. 21
3.4 Weaponization .................................................................................................................. 22
4
Secure Network .................................................................................................................... 24
4.1 Cyber Operations .............................................................................................................. 24
4.2 Information Assurance ...................................................................................................... 26
4.3 Electromagnetic Spectrum and Electronic Warfare .......................................................... 27
5
Human-Machine Collaboration ........................................................................................... 29
5.1 Human-Machine Interfaces ............................................................................................... 29
5.2 Human-Machine Teaming ................................................................................................ 31
6
Summary ……………………………………………………………………………..........33
6.1 Challenges Summary ........................................................................................................ 33
6.2 Way Ahead Summary ....................................................................................................... 33
6.3 Key Technologies ............................................................................................................. 34
Appendix A
FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS AND REFERENCES ................................ 36
Appendix B
JOINT CONCEPT FOR ROBOTICS AND AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS ....... 38
Appendix C ACQUISITION INITIATIVES ........................................................................... 40
Appendix D OSD INITIATIVES ............................................................................................ 43
Appendix E ABBREVIATIONS ............................................................................................. 45
vii
List of Figures
Figure 1: DoD Organizations that Involve Unmanned Systems ..................................................... 2
Figure 2: ISR Data Transport Capabilities.................................................................................... 14
List of Tables
Table 1: DoD Unmanned Systems Funding FY2017 ($M) ............................................................ 3
Table 2: Comprehensive Roadmap for Interoperability ................................................................. 6
Table 3: Comprehensive Roadmap for Autonomy ....................................................................... 18
Table 4: Comprehensive Roadmap for Secure Networks ............................................................. 24
Table 5: Comprehensive Roadmap for Human-Machine Collaboration ...................................... 29
viii