ABSTRACT
Success of numerous long-term robotic network missions in space, air, ground, and water is measured by the ability of the robots to operate for extended time in highly dynamic and potentially hazardous operating environments. Persistent operation and observation in the presence of continuously changing environmental circumstances face key science and technology challenges. The problem comes down to collective power management and energy maintenance.
This talk will describe efforts in developing a roadmap to achieve continuous autonomy that advances unmanned systems ability to perform autonomous long-term missions. The goal is to provide practical solutions by lowering deployment and operating costs, while also increasing efficiency, endurance and persistence during complex missions like disaster responses and long-term science discoveries.