Autonomous Technology
Introduction
“Autonomous technology” is any kind of technology that can make complex decisions and function without being continuously directed and controlled by a person. Science fiction robots were once the sole examples of autonomous technology. Now autonomous control will redefine how objects and people move from place to place, how devices will care for people, and how they will provide services in factories, offices, residences, and healthcare facilities. Autonomous vehicles that can safely self-navigate between destinations will soon become a significant part of America’s future infrastructure. Simple-to-program yet extremely powerful robots have become ubiquitous in factory assembly lines. Large warehouses now depend on robotic infrastructure to quickly move inventory. Nimble robots have moved to the home to perform menial tasks like cleaning floors and providing care for bedridden patients. Arrays of autonomous flying, land-navigating, sea-navigating, and even submersible vehicles are also rapidly being developed and deployed. The term “drone” is being applied to many of these technologies. The risks associated with these technologies, however, have not been significantly addressed. While we have yet to see a major coordinated attack employing autonomous devices here in the United States, we cannot be complacent about this threat. As they become even more ubiquitous and integrated into our lives, their vulnerabilities will inevitably be tested and exploited with great potential for harm and social disruption. Autonomous machines can be hacked from remote locations. It may be difficult to track down perpetrators, especially if they are foreign entities. Government and manufacturers must collaborate on stimulating and conducting R&D to deter avoidable tragedy by developing frameworks, architectures, and standards to mitigate the risk and must prepare for the consequences of misuse and attacks using autonomous technology.
Some examples of autonomous technology are:
• Self-driving cars and trucks
• Autonomous surface package delivery
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
• Industrial robots
• Home and hospital-care robots
• “Robotic” Sea-navigating Ships
• Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs)
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