The NAMC Debrief: Insights from AAL VERTEX | Advanced Autonomy  11-12 February 2025

The NAMC team attended the Army Futures Command’s (AFC) Army Applications Lab (AAL) VERTEX event to better understand the rapidly evolving field of ground robotics and autonomy. AAL plans to leverage the insights gained from participants at VERTEX to inform solicitations, requirements, concepts and policy.  

Why It Matters:

As the Government refines its priorities, timely industry investments will play a vital role in meeting future military needs. Speakers at the event included BG Troy Denomy, Director of Integration, US Army Futures Command, and COL Ken Bernier, Program Manager, Future Battle Platforms, Program Executive Office, Ground Combat Systems.  The agenda also included multiple panels and breakout sessions to address various challenges of integrating autonomous systems into warfighting formations.

Emerging Trends & Challenges in Autonomy:

1. Industry Leads, but Military Has Unique Needs:

• Commercial innovations are outpacing military adoption. The Army must focus resources on solutions suited for harsh, contested environments.

2. Clear Command & Control for Autonomous Systems:

• Autonomous systems should follow mission-based orders, similar to human teams.
• They must know when to request human intervention, especially for ethical decisions.
• Empowering autonomy introduces risk, which commanders must understand and manage.

Key Considerations for Ground Robotics Advancement:

Warfighter Requirements:

• Systems must be intuitive, agile, modular, and reliable—ready for the toughest conditions.
• Autonomous formations should keep pace with the Army’s fastest maneuvers.

Scalability & Control:

• Managing a few systems is simple; controlling many is complex.
• Deploying systems behind the Forward Line of Troops (FLOT) can fast-track integration.

Government Investment & Rapid Iteration:

• The Army has invested heavily in robotics through research and prototyping.
• Open systems architectures enable quicker deployment of cutting-edge tech.

NAMC’s Role in Advancing Ground Autonomy

For over a decade, NAMC Members, from traditional defense contractors to academic institutions, have partnered with the Army to drive robotics innovation. We’re committed to:

• Collaborating with AFC, Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM), and the US Army acquisition enterprise.
• Accelerating technology development and fielding solutions that meet Warfighter needs.
• Supporting our Members in delivering impactful, mission-focused technologies.

Together, we’ll shape the future battlefield with adaptive, efficient solutions.