Unlocking the autonomous tomorrow

Autonomy includes, in a wide sense, the development of continuously smarter computer systems and their interaction with their environment.

WHAT IS THIS TECHNOLOGY AREA ALL ABOUT?

Autonomy includes, in a wide sense, the development of continuously smarter computer systems and their interaction with their environment. Important areas are:

Observation by combination of information from various sources;

Planning and analysis of possibilities to act;
Reasoning and decision making in collaboration between system and humans;
Acting such as autonomous driving of a vehicle, unmanned aircraft, mining activity, or tactile interaction with a human user.

Taken together, this means that various (heterogeneous) systems are interacting to solve tasks in a smart way together with humans.

HOW COULD THIS TECHNOLOGY BE APPLIED?

Applications of interest include:

Smart city – better support to the society regarding, for instance, green and efficient transports and logistics, efficient infrastructural maintenance and coping with emergency situations;
Smart industry – more efficient development and production of products and enhanced quality through detailed monitoring and control;
Smart mining – efficient mining without staff below ground level.

HOW COULD THIS TECHNOLOGY BE APPLIED TO THE DEFENSE SECTOR?

The technology area is of great importance for development of command-and-control systems, managing systems of systems, as well as various types of unmanned systems. Expected progress the next few years includes, for example, how sensors best could be used to support command-and-control decisions; for instance, how sensors onboard unmanned vehicles can be repositioned to provide optimal information for a decision at hand. This implies reasoning between human users and systems concerning possibilities to act and what corresponding consequences that the action leads to.

Case studies

Defence

Defence companies are an integral part of the crucial ecosystem that underpins our collective capability to defend Sweden. A defence force can only fulfil its role if it is equipped with the resources and technologies enabling a swift and efficient response to threats. The progression of technology thus influences the development of defence capabilities. Competent …

Cyber Defence

To safeguard Sweden and its interests, a purposeful and efficient cyber defence is essential. This defence must be threefold, shielding the Armed Forces’ systems, societal functions, and private businesses and individuals. The business sector is often targeted by cyberattacks executed or backed by foreign powers with the intent to pilfer business secrets and innovations. At …

Big Data isn’t just about data

It’s a strategic blend of science and computation, breathing life into colossal datasets harvested from diverse sources. The transformative waves of Big Data are already reshaping the landscapes of security and defence. WHAT IS THIS TECHNOLOGY AREA ALL ABOUT? Big Data Analytics is an area that focuses on applying techniques from statistics, mathematics and computer …

Societal Security

Societal critical operations are particularly vulnerable to dependencies. Society consists of a range of functions where the private sector has come to dominate. With deregulation, privatisation, and technological advancement, it’s within companies that the state finds the resources for societal robustness and resilience. It’s essential to understand these dependencies and vulnerabilities, as well as companies’ …

Elevating security with space technology

Satellites, sensors, and spacecraft have evolved beyond celestial exploration, becoming essential tools in the defence against emerging threats. Space technology encompasses a diverse array of innovations and tools designed for exploration, communication, and observation beyond our planet. Satellites, space-based sensors, and spacecraft form the backbone of these advancements, enabling us to gather invaluable data, enhance …

Unleashing the potential of advanced materials

The startling properties of graphene could impose a variety of solutions for technical challanges. One specific area is multifunctional light composites that is of high interest for airplanes and other vehicles.

Tech-infused soldiers and operators

Connected soldiers are equipped with a network of interconnected devices, ranging from smart helmets and augmented reality (AR) glasses to advanced communication systems and biometric sensors. This connectivity allows for real-time data exchange between soldiers, commanders, and various military platforms. As a result, the way soldiers carry and deploy equipment is evolving, with a focus …

Sensor enhanced capabilities

Acoustic sensors, which detect and analyse sound waves to identify and locate specific sources, are crucial for detecting enemy movements, such as the approach of ground forces or the operation of vehicles. Acoustic sensors contribute significantly to perimeter security and the protection of military installations. Radar systems, operating across the electromagnetic spectrum, are indispensable for …

AR/VR unveiled: transforming human performance

In summary, VR and AR offer a wide range of applications in security, first responders, and defence, from training and simulation to real-time situational awareness. The military sector, in particular, can benefit from these technologies in mission planning, training, and warfighting scenarios. As technology continues to advance, these applications are likely to become even more sophisticated and integrated into everyday military operations.