NDIA Ground Robotics Capabilities Conference & Exhibition

Ground robotic and autonomous systems, rapidly adopted during the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, have enabled the U.S. and its allies to operate more effectively, efficiently, and safely in a variety of mission profiles, such as Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), Combat Engineering, and Reconnaissance. These proven capabilities have secured a path for ground robotics’ future alongside the Warfighter. The Joint Ground Robotics Enterprise within the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition Technology and Logistics (OUSD AT&L) laid the foundation for Robotic & Autonomous Systems (RAS) through the publication of the Unmanned Systems Integrated Roadmap (FY2011-2036).

The Army Capabilities Integration Center (ARCIC) recently published the Army’s Robotic & Autonomous Systems Strategy (2015-2040) document. Similarly, the Joint Staff Robotic and Autonomous Systems Team (JRAST) under J-8 is finalizing the Joint Concept for Robotic & Autonomous Systems (JCRAS). JCRAS will guide the future Joint Force on how to integrate and employ RAS to create operational advantage in an environment characterized by rapid and diverse RAS technological development and increasingly capable spectrum of threats and adversaries. As the joint vision is established, industry leaders, Warfighters, DoD Agencies, Labs, Materiel Developers, and Combat Developers must engage in conversation to determine how we will be “Realizing the Robotic & Autonomous Systems Vision” The purpose of the 2016 Ground Robotics Capabilities Conference & Exhibition is to provide a forum for Industry and Government stakeholders to engage in honest dialogue to determine how to realize the robotics and autonomous systems vision across all Services of the U.S. military.

There will be more than 400 senior defense professionals from government, industry and the military in attendance at this year’s conference. Registration is open to the public and attendees of all professional levels are encouraged to participate.