UK armed forces test AI and autonomous systems

The AUKUS Trusted Operation of Robotic Vehicles in Contested Environments (TORVICE) trial aimed to identify and resolve vulnerabilities of robotic vehicles and sensors that affect autonomous systems.

TORVICE follows the first AUKUS AI and autonomy trial held in the UK in April 2023. In December, AUKUS defence ministers announced their intent to integrate Resilient and Autonomous Artificial Intelligence Technologies (RAAIT) into national programmes in 2024, with this trial aiming to adopt these technologies in the land domain.

During the trial, US and UK autonomous vehicles conducted several missions, including route reconnaissance, while subjected to a range of effects generated by Australia.

Dstl said outcomes will improve the resilience of AUKUS AI and autonomy systems when subjected to electronic warfare, laser and position, and navigation and timing (such as GPS) attacks. This will also ensure systems reliably deliver capability on the modern battlefield.

In a statement, Guy Powell, Dstl’s technical authority for the trial, said: “The TORVICE trial aims to understand the capabilities of robotic and autonomous systems to operate in contested environments.