18 Jun 2007 | Ref. 177/2007
Farnborough, United Kingdom. - A recent study by BAE Systems has examined areas in which autonomous technology can be effectively deployed to optimise crew levels and reduce workload within the military and commercial sectors across air, land and sea.
The focus of much of the assessment was the relevance optimising crew numbers could have in a specific operational environment and the impact such measures may have on safety, revenue, and operational efficiency, taking into account the cost and regulatory requirements that would need to be fulfilled.
“This study is at very early stages and is looking at the art of the possible. We are examining a number of factors including human fatigue and lapses in concentration and the areas where technology can be used, either individually or as part of a combined system, to reduce crew requirements,” says Geoff Slater from BAE Systems’ Strategic Business Development team. “Ultimately this could take us into areas where highly advanced levels of machine based decision making are required, alternatively we may be looking at implementing far less complex solutions.”
The study focused on identifying opportunities to further reduce crew workload within operations where human interaction is currently required. The next step was to understand where the technologies of BAE Systems might unlock these opportunities. A range of potential applications were considered in both military and commercial environments.
“This study is just the tip of the iceberg, the technological possibilities together with the safety and operational benefits are just some of the factors that we need to address as this moves forward,” continues Slater. “There are fundamental issues, many of which will require consultation with other agencies, regulatory bodies and companies, that will govern how this work progresses.”
According to Slater the technological aspect is one of the less challenging areas: “The technology required to perform many of these tasks is already available. One area that we will need to address is the social acceptability of deploying autonomy in certain roles.”
Work on the studies is set to continue and will inform future developments on BAE Systems’ research and technology activities.
About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is a global defence and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With 88,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £13.7 billion pounds sterling (US25.4 billion dollars) in 2006.
For further information please contact:
John Neilson, BAE Systems
Tel: + 44 (0) 1252 384795 Mob: + 44 (0)7802 337704
john.neilson@baesystems.com
Barney O’Kelly, BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384717 Mob: +44 (0) 7803 667434
barney.okelly@baesystems.com
Issued by:
BAE Systems, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 6YU, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384710 Fax: +44 (0) 1252 383947
www.baesystems.com
