HBCU University Affiliated Research Center (UARC)
Abstract
The Tactical Autonomy University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) supports a consortium performing innovative research to advance the state of the art as well as cultivate awareness of and expertise in the field of tactical autonomy. Research topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following: Trust in Mission Autonomy, Collaboration between Platforms, and Human Machine Teaming. Funds in this program element are planned to investigate, design, develop, digitize, and/or analyze specified technology advancements in air, space, ground, sea, and/or cyber domains. This research will address factors that have complicated the deployment and adoption of autonomous technologies such as trust in mission autonomy, collaboration between platforms, and human-machine teaming. Research will also seek to integrate autonomous technologies with advanced battle management systems. The UARC will also work to expand the defense industrial base by identifying and incorporating applicable technologies from small businesses. This research initiative will support the Department of Defense Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) strategic plan by establishing long-term core research expertise in tactical autonomy that will leverage scientific and engineering capabilities among the consortium of contributing HBCUs. Tactical autonomy will be a critical technology in prolonged great power conflict because the development of autonomous systems is a realistic approach to counter an advisory approaching parity in conventional strength in theatre, and tactical autonomy will enable warfighting capability in an environment where command and control may be disrupted by cyber or electronic warfare effects. This research will contribute to operational warfighting capabilities by increasing the capabilities of uncrewed platforms that will have greater availability, easier mobility and logistical sustainability, and shorter production cycle times. Research will produce creative solutions to optimize the capabilities of reliable data-driven autonomous platforms capable of operating in environments well suited to uncrewed systems, such as persistent defensive or force protection-related missions, or in high-risk environments such as heavy anti-access or Nuclear, Chemical, Biological (NBC) affected settings. One of the foremost advantages of the United States in great power competition is its advanced university-based scientific research institutions. This research initiative will strengthen HBCU scientific and engineering capabilities, advance the early career development of STEM students, leverage the research contributions of university faculty, and expand the pipeline of STEM graduates with national security experience for the government and the private-sector defense industrial base. This program is in Budget Activity 2, Applied Research because this budget activity includes studies, investigations, and non-system specific technology efforts directed toward general military needs with a view toward developing and evaluating the feasibility and practicality of proposed solutions and determining their parameters.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2025
- Source ID
- 622408_0602022F_2_3600_PB_2025