A Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) for command and control (C2) of autonomous
vehicles equipped with sensor and defeat mechanisms enhances force protection
against unmanned aerial systems (UAS), swarm, and ground-based robotic threats
with current technology while providing an adaptable framework able to
accommodate technological advances. This approach emphasizes modularity, which
allows for independent upgrades and maintenance; interoperability, which ensures
seamless integration with other systems; and scalability, which enables the
system to grow and adapt to increasing threats and new technologies – all of
which are essential for managing complex, dynamic, and evolving operational
threats from UAS, swarm, and ground-based robots. The proposed systems approach
is designed around component-based modules with standardized interfaces,
ensuring ease of integration, maintenance, and upgrades. The integration of
diverse sensors through plug-and-play capabilities and multi-sensor fusion
enhances the detection, tracking, and identification of aerial and ground
threats. Autonomous decision-making is empowered by artificial intelligence (AI)
and machine learning (ML) algorithms and supported by edge and cloud computing
for efficient data processing while retaining human-in-the-loop confirmation
prior to threat defeat activation. Lifecycle management strategies with a
continuous integration/continuous development (CI/CD) pipeline enable rapid
updates and a scalable architecture to accommodate evolving threats and new
technologies.