Australian Navy explores use of robots, AI for counter-disaster operations

TR_123456 · Nov 5, 2020

Titan1 Unmanned Ground Vehicles used during Exercise GENESIS as part of Autonomous Warrior 2020-4 (Picture Australian MoD)

The Royal Australian Navy and defence Industry have put robots to the test in a simulated counter-disaster operation in Brisbane, the Australian MoD says today in a release.

Australian MoD press release

Autonomous Warrior Genesis – the first of Navy’s flagship events exercising Robotics, Autonomous Systems and Artificial Intelligence (RAS-AI) – saw Unmanned Vehicles (UxVs) deployed by air, land and water to respond to a fictional Humanitarian and Disaster Relief (HADR) scenario on the Brisbane River.

Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said the exercise demonstrated Defence working with Australian Industry to integrate emerging technologies with Navy platforms to rapidly respond in emergency situations.

“Australia’s commitment to maintaining a strong and secure region is predicated on ongoing modernisation of Defence capability as new and disruptive technologies emerge,” Minister Reynolds said.

“As announced in the 2020 Force Structure Plan, the Government recognises the exploration of autonomous and un‑crewed systems will further safeguard Australia’s capability and achieve expanded reach across the region.

“Using autonomous systems to respond to disaster scenarios is a potential game‑changer for Defence by providing the agility and technological edge to rapidly support our region in times of crisis”
Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC

“Navy’s recently launched RAS-AI Strategy emphasises the importance of strengthening Defence’s relationship with Australian Industry to ensure together, we develop innovative new capabilities to respond to an evolving geostrategic environment.”

Autonomous Warrior Genesis took place at HMAS Moreton in Brisbane in a COVID safe manner, in partnership with Emesent, Boeing Australia and EPE Pty Ltd.