Unmanned & Autonomous Systems

Next-Gen Propulsion Systems for Small and Micro UAVs: Powering the Future of Aerial Innovation From hydrogen fuel cells to AI-driven tri-source hybrids, advanced propulsion technologies are redefining endurance, stealth, and mission flexibility for the next generation of UAVs. The rapid evolution of small unmanned aerial vehicles (SUAVs) and micro air …

Introduction: The Maritime Threat Landscape is Evolving In today’s evolving maritime threat environment, the U.S. military is developing innovative solutions to maintain naval superiority. The QUICKSINK program represents a breakthrough in anti-ship warfare, demonstrating how air-delivered weapons can achieve torpedo-like lethality at a fraction of the cost. This revolutionary approach …

Computational imaging is turning cameras into intelligent systems, enabling real-time sensing and tracking beyond the pixel. Introduction: Redefining What Cameras Can See We stand at the precipice of a fundamental transformation in visual perception technology. The conventional camera paradigm—limited by rigid optical designs and passive sensor arrays—is being overturned by …

Introduction The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has unveiled an ambitious new initiative—the Series Hybrid Electric Propulsion AiRcraft Demonstration (SHEPARD) program, designated as the XQ-73. This “X-prime” program builds upon previous advancements from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA) under the Great …

As military aviation evolves, tankers and transport aircraft remain critical assets in logistics and combat support operations. However, these large, slow-moving platforms are increasingly vulnerable to threats posed by small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS). The emergence of drone warfare, especially the use of swarms and autonomous systems, necessitates a robust …

DARPA’s AIR Program: AI Redefining the Future of Air Combat DARPA’s AIR initiative is creating AI co-pilots that can adapt, scale, and team with humans — transforming how the skies will be fought and won. Introduction: The Autonomous Combat Imperative The future of aerial warfare is being rewritten by artificial …

Deep Sea Mapping: Shaping the Future of Mining, AUVs, and SustainabilityMapping the ocean floor is unlocking critical minerals, enabling advanced AUV operations, and ensuring sustainability in the global race for deep-sea resources. As terrestrial reserves of critical minerals diminish and global demand soars, the ocean floor has emerged as a …

Drones have revolutionized modern warfare, reshaping battlefield strategies and redefining military capabilities. From surveillance and reconnaissance to precision strikes and electronic warfare, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) now play a crucial role in military operations. However, with their growing importance comes the need for an organizational shift within the U.S. Army—one …

Humanoid Robots: The AI-Powered Machines Shaping the Future of Work, Safety, and Everyday Life Introduction: Humanoid robots have been a staple of science fiction for decades, captivating our imagination with visions of intelligent machines walking among us. These fascinating machines, designed to resemble and mimic human behavior, have captured the …