Robotics and Autonomous Systems –
The United States’ ability to promote innovation and growth in the robotics and autonomous system (RAS) industries directly impacts US national security and global stability. The character of warfare is constantly evolving. Recent events in Ukraine (and previously in Nagorno-Karabakh) revealed that RAS represents a disruptive technology at the leading edge of that evolution. RAS enable smaller, dispersed forces to effectively challenge legacy sources of military strength in the air, on land, and at sea.
In a world characterized by strategic competition, the RAS industries are integral elements of national economic power. Accordingly, Russia and China are leveraging the technological revolution to secure market share in the international RAS markets. To lead the responsible integration of RAS into the commercial and defense markets, the Department of Defense (DoD) and the broader US Government must quickly address several regulatory, policy, and strategy issues.
This report presents insights gleaned from five months of dedicated RAS industry study by students at the Eisenhower School during the 2021-2022 academic year, analyzes industries that supply the air, land, and sea RAS domains and provides fully resourced policy recommendations. Coordinated with allies and partners, such policies promote innovation in the RAS industries and give much-needed support to the US commercial and defense industrial ecosystems. From a position of economic and defense strength vested in RAS, the United States can shape a safe and responsible future.
Read the report →