Report
Supporting the Royal Australian Navy's Campaign Plan for Robotics and Autonomous Systems
Apr 4, 2022
The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) is in the process of modernising its forces to better address the growing challenges being faced by Australia in the Indo-Pacific region. The authors describe approaches the RAN might consider for enabling innovation with, and rapid acquisition of, robotics, autonomous systems, and artificial intelligence (RAS-AI) in the near and medium terms.
Enhancing Innovation
Format | File Size | Notes |
---|---|---|
PDF file | 1.8 MB | Use Adobe Acrobat Reader version 10 or higher for the best experience. |
In 2020, the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) released the Robotics, Autonomous Systems and Artificial Intelligence (RAS-AI) Strategy 2040. As part of the Campaign Plan to implement the strategy, the RAN asked RAND Australia to identify how international innovation and rapid acquisition practices might improve its processes to acquire and field RAS-AI.
The RAN is in the process of modernising its forces to better address the growing challenges Australia faces in the Indo-Pacific region. Increased state competition in the region combined with accelerated military modernisation have prompted the RAN to consider the use of RAS-AI systems in maritime roles and missions.
The authors used a combination of methodologies—literature reviews, a survey of current practice, and elicitations of subject-matter experts—to develop approaches the RAN might consider for enabling innovation with, and rapid acquisition of, RAS-AI capabilities in the near and medium terms.
The report's findings highlight that to innovate with RAS-AI systems most effectively, the RAN needs to ensure that leadership and guidance are provided from the highest levels to enable development of an innovation ecosystem that proactively engages academia and industry, including non-traditional stakeholders. The RAN must also clearly define and communicate current and future challenges, reduce barriers to marketplace entry and engagement, and form long-term relationships to ensure trust and credibility.
Chapter One
Introduction
Chapter Two
Selected Review of Literature on Military Innovation, Experimentation, and Rapid Acquisition
Chapter Three
Survey of Exceptional Military Innovation Organisations in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States
Chapter Four
Implications for the Royal Australian Navy
Chapter Five
Findings and Recommendations
This research was prepared for the Royal Australian Navy, Robotics and Autonomous Systems/Artificial Intelligence Directorate and conducted by RAND Australia.
This report is part of the RAND Corporation Research report series. RAND reports present research findings and objective analysis that address the challenges facing the public and private sectors. All RAND reports undergo rigorous peer review to ensure high standards for research quality and objectivity.
This document and trademark(s) contained herein are protected by law. This representation of RAND intellectual property is provided for noncommercial use only. Unauthorized posting of this publication online is prohibited; linking directly to this product page is encouraged. Permission is required from RAND to reproduce, or reuse in another form, any of its research documents for commercial purposes. For information on reprint and reuse permissions, please visit www.rand.org/pubs/permissions.
The RAND Corporation is a nonprofit institution that helps improve policy and decisionmaking through research and analysis. RAND's publications do not necessarily reflect the opinions of its research clients and sponsors.