BAE Systems to develop advanced autonomy for large-scale planning

Rhea-AI Summary

The U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has awarded BAE Systems a contract worth $8.3 million to develop an advanced autonomy system as part of the SCEPTER program. This initiative aims to create machine-generated strategies for operational planning, incorporating human oversight within trusted simulations. The project will be executed by BAE Systems’ FAST Labs in collaboration with experts from academia. The SCEPTER program will unfold across two phases over three years, emphasizing the importance of reliable operational strategies in complex decision-making environments. This contract enhances BAE Systems' existing autonomy portfolio and underscores its long-standing commitment to pioneering autonomy technology in defense. The focus is on optimizing operational planning through innovative machine-learning techniques.

Positive

• Awarded an $8.3 million contract by DARPA, enhancing revenue potential.
• Collaboration with academic experts enhances project credibility and innovation.
• Strengthens BAE Systems' autonomy portfolio, indicating a strategic focus on advanced technologies.

Negative

• None.

NASHUA, N.H.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has awarded BAE Systems an $8.3 million contract to develop an advanced autonomy system to speed operational planning under the Strategic Chaos Engine for Planning, Tactics, Experimentation, and Resiliency (SCEPTER) program.

DARPA awards BAE Systems an $8.3 million contract to develop an advanced autonomy system to speed operational planning. (Credit: BAE Systems)

The SCEPTER program is designed to develop machine-generated strategies to be evaluated within trusted simulation environments with thorough human review.

“Successful planning is about developing trusted, resilient operational plans for complex decision spaces,” said Marco Pravia, chief scientist at BAE Systems’ FAST Labs. “The SCEPTER system will push the state-of-the-art in the production of machine-generated strategies.”

SCEPTER is planned as a two-phase, three-year planning program.

Under the terms of the Phase 1 contract, BAE Systems’ FAST Labs™ research and development organization will provide the machine-learning backed system and execute tests to demonstrate the approach. In this program, the BAE Systems team will collaborate with Professor Igor Mezic and AIMdyn, a small woman-owned business, and with Professor Joao Hespanha, an expert in control and multi-agent systems.

The SCEPTER program adds to the BAE Systems’ extensive autonomy portfolio, previous work combining games and simulations, and a 20-year history of pioneering autonomy technology.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230419005138/en/

Paul Roberts, BAE Systems

Mobile: 603-521-2381

paul.a.roberts@baesystems.com

www.baesystems.com/US

@BAESystemsInc

Source: BAE Systems

FAQ

What is the amount of the contract awarded to BAE Systems by DARPA?

BAE Systems was awarded an $8.3 million contract by DARPA.

What is the purpose of the SCEPTER program that BAE Systems is involved in?

The SCEPTER program aims to develop an advanced autonomy system for operational planning using machine-generated strategies.

How long is the SCEPTER program scheduled to last?

The SCEPTER program is planned as a two-phase initiative over three years.

Which organization within BAE Systems is responsible for the SCEPTER program?

BAE Systems' FAST Labs is responsible for executing the SCEPTER program.

What technology will BAE Systems utilize in the SCEPTER program?

BAE Systems will use machine-learning-backed systems to demonstrate advanced operational strategies.