The autonomous future imagined by The Jetsons, 2001: A Space Odyssey, and even Back to the Future Part II may not yet be a reality, but a perfect storm of technological innovation is moving us closer. Drones, autonomous robots, and self-driving cars all rely on a complex web of technology to perform as programmed. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and 5G availability are enabling autonomous devices to be more, well...autonomous.
Device autonomy is a spectrum. Basic autonomy could look like the end result of setting a flight path for a drone and then initiating an unmanned flight. More complex autonomy could resemble giving a drone parameters such as, "here's the data we want to capture" and the device then designing the tactics, flight path, and timing needed to meet that goal. The wide rollout of 5G provides infrastructure that can handle the high data volumes and speed required by autonomous devices and missions, while AI advances are allowing machines to engage in more advanced and proactive decision-making.
While the reality of autonomy will look different than what Hollywood visionaries depicted, its impact will be just as exciting as any blockbuster. Autonomous systems will be a critical part of realizing a number of key government goals.
- Improved disaster response - First responders are increasingly using drones to survey areas impacted by natural disasters before, during, and after an event. These drones feed information back to teams in real time, improving both their ability to plan before heading into dangerous conditions, and their situational awareness. In the example of wildfires, drones can be equipped with infrared sensors to help detect lingering hot spots. Previously, firefighters had to meticulously hand-check burn scars to identify areas at risk of reigniting, which could take days at a time and a huge amount of manpower. This increasing reliance on autonomous devices and the data they produce led T-Mobile to create a dedicated network technology for first responders, aimed at ensuring connectivity for all of their devices.
- Greater efficiency - Drones can be deployed to perform a wide variety of inspections, from examining bridges to pipelines to road systems. This autonomous technology helps field teams cover more ground with fewer personnel. For example, a drone could be programmed to fly inspection missions every two weeks to check a pipeline for leaks--a frequency that might be difficult to meet through in-person visits, given a limited number of inspectors. If a drone detects a problem, a workflow can be automatically triggered, thus allowing personnel to focus on fixing issues rather than constantly surveying.
- Safer working conditions and communities - Drones and robots can be sent into dangerous environments to assess risk or even perform high-risk jobs like defusing a bomb or repairing a hazardous chemical leak. Participants at a recent International Atomic Energy Agency workshop concluded that drones could take radiation readings at nuclear power plants in advance of personnel being sent in to remediate issues. These readings could also help quickly inform decisions about area evacuations.
- More responsive services - The "drone-in-a-box" approach is becoming a near reality for law enforcement agencies. The idea is to position drones on rooftops throughout the city, ready to fly on a moment's notice. These devices could carry EpiPens or defibrillators and deliver them faster than a ground-response unit. They could also capture data about the scene and relay it to first responders, so they are better prepared when they arrive.
To stay up to date on the implementation of autonomous technology across government, check out these resources:
- Smart Cities Connect Fall Conference & Expo (November 19-21, 2025; Oxon Hill, MD) - Smart cities have evolved from a futuristic vision into a tangible reality, creating fundamental impact for people and the planet. Attendees will leave this event equipped with the knowledge and strategies required to steer smart cities towards sustained meaningful transformations.
- DefenseTalks (December 9, 2025; Washington, DC) - Top decision-makers discuss emerging technologies and their potential to revolutionize modern defense.
- AXON Week 2026 (April 7-10, 2026; Nashville, TN) - Axon Week is designed for those interested in public safety technology and training. Explore bold ideas shaping public safety--from forward-thinking strategies to deep product insights and meaningful community conversations.
- Building Our Autonomous Future (white paper) - Drones and robots enhance safety by entering hazardous environments, improve efficiency by automating inspections, and deliver real-time data for faster decision-making. Yet widespread adoption depends on overcoming regulatory hurdles, scaling secure U.S.-made technology, and retraining the workforce to maximize data-driven insights. The path forward lies in balancing innovation with security, compliance, and human readiness.
- Rebuilding San Francisco (case study) - Facing a staffing crisis and rising crime, the San Francisco Police Department turned to technology to rebuild both capacity and public trust. With mobile surveillance units, ALPRs, drones, and a partnership with LiveView Technologies, SFPD is filling gaps left by personnel losses and enhancing real-time response in crime-heavy areas like the Tenderloin.
- Transforming Industries with Integrated Sensing and Communications (white paper) - As wireless networks evolve toward 6G, Integrated Sensing and Communications is emerging as a breakthrough capability--blending data transmission with real-time environmental awareness. This technology enables mobile infrastructure to act as a sensor, detecting everything from drones to rainfall, while also supporting communication. This document explores use cases across sectors like public safety, healthcare, and transportation.
For more on the evolution and implementation of autonomous technology in government, search for additional events and resources on GovEvents and GovWhitePapers.
