AUKUS Defense Scientists Conduct Successful Trials of Robotic Vehicles in South Australia

Defense scientists from Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States have carried out collaborative trials testing various robotic vehicles and their sensors at the Cultana Training Area in South Australia. The Trusted Operation of Robotic Vehicles in a Contested Environment (TORVICE) trial, conducted in the fall of 2023, aimed to identify and address vulnerabilities faced by autonomous systems in congested electronic warfare environments.

During the trial, a network of robotic ground vehicles represented autonomous Multi-Domain Launchers and Uncrewed Ground Vehicles from the UK and the US. These vehicles underwent electronic warfare, electro-optical, and position, navigation, and timing attacks, all conducted by Australian scientists.

Dr. Peter Shoubridge, Chief Land and Joint Warfare at Defence, emphasized the importance of understanding how robotic vehicles react in contested environments to enhance their resilience.

TORVICE is part of the AUKUS Advanced Capabilities Pillar, focusing on AI and autonomy technologies to promote security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Through AUKUS, Australia, the UK, and the US are advancing responsible military use of AI and autonomy technologies.