Unmanned Maritime Systems Conference

Increasing Autonomy in the Realm of Unmanned Maritime Systems

Actions to move towards acquiring more autonomous technology for maritime systems have been coming to surface. With the simultaneous increase of unmanned maritime systems (UMS) and underwater threats, the development of more unmanned and autonomous maritime vessels will be underway. With the vast amounts of technological advancements, steering from unmanned vessels, to vessels with primarily autonomous features will be a process that won't remain stagnant for too long.

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The current UMS can perform dirty and dangerous missions without the direct presence of the operator. Increasing the autonomous features in the unmanned system would allow the seafarer to allot time to other operations while the AUV, autonomous underwater vehicle, would still be doing its job. UMSs can assist in conducting pertinent missions, from mine countermeasures, anti-submarine warfare, oceanography and communication/navigation network nodes. The various duties of UMSs allow us to better understand the complex nature of subsurface operations.

In recent years, AUVs have been used more and more due to the development of advanced processing technologies, cost efficiency and high yielding power supplies. Join us this year in exploring the depths of this growing defense priority and shape the discussion for the future of Unmanned Maritime Systems.

What are the Benefits of Attending?

• Hear from key thought leaders in Unmanned Maritime Systems, including the latest requirements for Surface and Undersea systems.
• Understand Operational Requirements and Priorities for Unmanned Systems Employment
• Gain Insight on Current State of DoD Programs, Upcoming Decisions and Future Acquisitions
• Discuss Key Capabilities for UUVs, Counter Mine, Anti Submarine Warfare, Persistent Tracking and ISR
• Collaborate with key DoD, International and Industry partners to influence the future Of Unmanned Maritime Systems

Now Factor:

The scope of unmanned maritime technologies across multiple naval applications has grown in the last several. The systems currently fielded to fulfill today's operational demands need increased integration with existing systems toachieve greater efficiency and affordability. Additionally, while downward economic forces continue to constrain DOD budgets, achieving affordable and cost-effective technical solutions is moreimportant than ever. Building open-architecture while leveraging commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technology allows for increased economy, interoperability and adaptability can improve existing systems by bringing:

Greater automation Improved performance (SWaP) Interoperability and modularity Survivability in contested environments (resilient communications) Integration with manned systems (Manned-Unmanned System Teaming) Reduced manpower requirements to operate and support unmanned systems

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Chairperson

• Guy Thomas, Subject Matter Expert, Maritime Domain Awareness and Unclassified Space, DHS, Science & Technology

2018 Speaker Faculty

• Theresa Whelan, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Global Security, Under Secretary of Defense for Policy | U.S. Department of Defense
• Captain Benjamin Cooper, Deputy Assistant Commandant for Capability, U.S. Coast Guard
• Matthew Garner, Director Submarines/Submersibles Design & Systems Engineering, NAVSEA
• Dr. Thomas Fu, Director of the Ship Systems & Engineering Research Division, ONR
• Dr. Larry Lewis, Director, Center of Autonomy and Artificial Intelligence, CNA
• Dr. Micah Clark, Research Professor and Scientist, The Pennsylvania State University Applied Research Laboratory
• Captain John Newton, Former Program Manager, PMS 399, Undersea SOF Mobility, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA)
• Michael Bosworth, Director, Center for Innovation in Ship Design (CISD), Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division (Code 8202)
• Samuel Bendett, Research Analyst, Center for Autonomy and Artificial Intelligence, CNA
• Don Sofge, Computer Scientist; Distributed Autonomous Systems Group, Code 5514, NRL
• Signe Redfield, Engineer, NRL
• Keith Sullivan, Artificial Intelligence Expert, NRL
• William Curran, Roboticist, Expert in Reinforcement Learning, NRL
• LT Nicholas Huban, Requirements Officer OPNAV N951, US Navy
• (Tentative) Eric Lednicky, Operations Analyst/ Deputy Branch Head, Undersea Warfare Assessments, U.S. Navy

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