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Cooperative Multirobot Systems for Military Applications

  • Defense, Military, and Surveillance Robotics (S Ferrari and P Zhu, Section Editors)
  • Published:
Current Robotics Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

We seek to review recent and current research efforts by the US military in the field of robotics. We present background on research arms and current overall strategy in developing autonomous and robotic systems. We also discuss specific projects undertaken by the different research arms and service branches.

Recent Findings

The US military has widely used remote piloted systems for 25 years. That has shifted to systems that are capable of autonomous deployment and navigation but are overseen by human operators. Current research thrusts include increasing the amount of decision-making these systems are capable of and allowed to make. Recent research also focuses on developing new and novel tactics enabled by autonomous systems and ensuring that these systems can work well with each other and with human teammates.

Summary

Robotics and autonomous systems are central to the long-term plans of the U.S. Military. Each service branch is pursuing research according to its mission and culture. Multirobot systems and increased levels of autonomy are key research thrusts, though human oversight will remain for the near future.

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References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The University of Texas at Arlington Research Institute, The University of Texas at Arlington, Fort Worth, TX, USA

    Nicholas R. Gans

  2. Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC) Army Research Laboratory, Adelphi, MD, USA

    John G. Rogers III

Authors
  1. Nicholas R. Gans
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  2. John G. Rogers III
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Nicholas R. Gans.

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Conflict of Interest

Nicholas R. Gans reports a patent 8320616 B2 with royalties paid to Prioria Robotics and a patent PCT/US09/52803 issued in 2011, but it has never been licensed. John G. Rogers III has nothing to disclose.

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Defense, Military, and Surveillance Robotics

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Gans, N.R., Rogers, J.G. Cooperative Multirobot Systems for Military Applications. Curr Robot Rep 2, 105–111 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43154-020-00039-w

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