Military robotics & autonomous systems

Defense Robotics

Follow the machines, research and decisions shaping defense autonomy—from robotic resupply to aircraft and ships. Every brief separates proposals, tests and demonstrated results.

Sources checked September 24, 2026 · Daily source reviews

5 briefs

Eight-wheeled Army SMET ground robot in an urban training area at Fort Irwin.

Research demonstration

Army researchers demonstrate human–robot teaming

Research · September 10, 2026

An Army research showcase explored communication and coordination between people, aerial systems and ground robots.

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Prototype selection

Army selects six vendors for autonomous infantry support

Ground · August 11, 2026

The Infantry Last Tactical Mile initiative targets robotic resupply, casualty evacuation and communications support.

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A VENOM-modified F-16 climbs above Eglin Air Force Base during a test flight.

VENOM flight testbed · June 2026 · U.S. Air Force / Samuel King Jr., 96th Test Wing

Flight testing

Modified F-16s take AI flight control into live testing

Air · July 16, 2026

DARPA and the Air Force are testing AI flight control in VENOM aircraft with human pilots monitoring from the cockpit.

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USX-1 Defiant unmanned surface vessel underway near a container port.

NOMARS test vessel · March 2026 · DARPA / DVIDS

Sea trials

Defiant tests a ship designed for no crew aboard

Maritime · March 27, 2026

DARPA’s NOMARS demonstrator is testing autonomous navigation and machinery-control improvements after winter engineering changes.

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Policy reference · 2023

Policy reference: the 2023 autonomy-in-weapons directive

Oversight · January 25, 2023

The published directive establishes policy and responsibilities for autonomous and semi-autonomous functions in weapon systems.

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