The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has launched a program to develop metrics for evaluating the ethical implications of autonomous weapon systems.

Industry Partners for the ASIMOV Program

The agency said Thursday the Autonomy Standards and Ideals with Military Operational Values, or ASIMOV, program will objectively and quantitatively measure the ethical challenges and readiness of utilizing autonomous systems for military operations. The program aims to provide the developmental testing/operational testing community with a way to evaluate these autonomous systems. 

DARPA selected seven organizations to perform research on the subject, particularly on different theoretical frameworks, quantifiability, safety and assurance. The agency awarded contracts to CoVar, Kitware, Lockheed Martin, RTX Technology Research Center, SAAB, Inc., Systems & Technology Research and the University of New South Wales.

The research performers are tasked with creating prototype generative modeling environments to assess ethical scenarios. This is intended to define the benchmark for future evaluations of autonomous systems. 

The program is named after the late Isaac Asimov, an author known for the “Three Laws of Robotics,” which is the inspiration behind the initiative. Asimov tackled the idea of autonomous systems’ ability to follow human ethical norms.

Ethical, Legal and Societal Implications

The ASIMOV program will form an advisory group composed of stakeholders that will ensure that ethical, legal, and societal implications, or ELSI, are considered when dealing with autonomous systems and other innovations. 

DARPA will also make the program public so the community can provide insight into the issue. This includes enabling others to test and use future tools and technologies.

“ASIMOV is tackling a tremendously complex problem with an infinite set of variables,” said Timothy Klausutis, Strategic Technology Office program manager at DARPA. “We don’t have any illusions we’ll figure everything out we want to in the initial stages of this program, but the stakes are too high not to try everything we can.”

The U.S. Army is looking at the possibility of utilizing nuclear power to bolster installation resilience and operational readiness.

The service branch said Wednesday it is considering siting a microreactor on one or more of its installations by 2030.

Nuclear Energy for Strengthening Army Installations

The Army intends to study the feasibility of utilizing nuclear power on its installations to ensure access to reliable energy sources vital to military operations. It is working with the Defense Innovation Unit, interagency partners and utility providers to assess the possible effects of the microreactors on safety, economy and the environment. These factors will be used to determine the possible placement and operation of the reactor.

With its commitment to developing a comprehensive energy strategy, the Army is considering nuclear energy and all other possible sources. This development aligns with efforts to utilize innovations to boost mission assurance and readiness, as well as power-projection capabilities.

Rachel Jacobson, assistant secretary of the Army for installations, energy and environment, stated, “When it comes to installation energy resilience and reliable power to support operational and strategic readiness on installations, we can’t leave anything off the table. We are actively developing a solution set that includes all types of power that will meet those needs; nuclear is one that we are looking at as part of our deliberate and thoughtful planning.”

The U.S. Navy completed a 720-hour power demonstration on a model engine, MTU 8V4000M24S, for use aboard future unmanned surface vessels, or USVs, in accordance with the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act.

Naval Sea Systems Command said Wednesday the 720-hour final engine test is part of a larger USV testing initiative to evaluate the resilience and capability of engine systems to perform autonomous operations for extended periods.

The Navy’s Program Executive Office Unmanned and Small Combatants, or PEO USC, and the Unmanned Maritime Systems Program Office (PMS 406) supervised the demonstration. 

During the final engine test, Precise Power Systems performed testing work on behalf of Austal USA at Daimler Trucks North America Aftermarket Solutions in Tooele, Utah, between June 19 and Sept. 5.

“This milestone marks a pivotal advancement in our naval strategy, as it enhances our capabilities in unmanned operations,” said Rear. Adm. Kevin Smith, head of PEO USC. “Successfully demonstrating a power system that can sustain autonomous operations for 30 days without maintenance not only bolsters our readiness but also sets the stage for a truly integrated manned-unmanned Fleet, ensuring we remain at the forefront of maritime innovation.”

5 Other Engine Tests 

Before this final engine test, five other industry teams achieved their separate 720-hour testing milestones.

On behalf of Caterpillar, Bollinger and Carter Machinery tested the 1550 kw Caterpillar 3512C model engine and became the first team to reach the milestone in December 2023.

The team of Fincantieri Marinette Marine and Carter Machinery validated the mechanical durability of the Caterpillar 2300 kW rated 3516 main propulsion diesel, lube oil and fuel system.

On behalf of Cummins, Gibbs & Cox and Southwest Research Institute conducted a 720-hour power demonstration on the QSK95 diesel engine paired with an ABB AMG 0560M04 LAE generator.

HII partnered with the U.S. Coast Guard to test a main propulsion diesel engine configuration, MTU 20V 4000 M93L.

On behalf of Cummins, L3Harris Technologies performed testing to assess the mechanical reliability of the QSK60 diesel engine and QSM11, a marine diesel generator set.

The Department of Defense announced it has issued the 2024 Chemical and Biological Defense Program, or CBDP, with an enterprise strategy focused on rapid and at-scale deterrence of advanced threats. “This strategy creates the urgency and change necessary to continue to outpace our adversaries and the threat,” said Ian Watson, deputy assistant secretary of defense for chemical and biological defense.

The CBDP, which revises its 2020 iteration, builds upon the 2022 National Defense Strategy prioritizing deterrents against threats from China and Russia. The new program also supports other tactical guidance, such as the 2023 Strategy for Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction, the National Defense Industrial Strategy and the Biodefense Posture Review. 

Call for Technical Enablers and Innovators   

The program is geared toward four DOD goals in delivering chemical and biological defense, or CBD, capabilities at speed and scale. The objectives include the delivery of operationally relevant capabilities and creation of CBD advantages, such as materiel solutions enabling restoration of combat power. The program will also seek technical enablers and innovations in CBD and tap and expand partnerships with government, industry, academia and U.S. allies.

CBD-related efforts announced recently include a Defense Threat Reduction Agency solicitation issued in May for products and services related to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threat reduction with a potential total value of $3.5 billion.