Foundations of Trusted Autonomy

Abstract

Technology-dependent industries and agencies, such as Defence, are keenly seek- ing game-changing capability in trusted autonomous systems. However, behind the research and development of these technologies is the story of the people, collab- oration and the potential of technology. The motivation for Defence in sponsoring the open publication of this exciting new book is to accelerate Australia’s Defence science and technology in Trusted Autonomous Systems to a world-class standard. This journey began in July 2015 with a first invitational symposium hosted in Australia with some of the world-class researchers featured in this book in attendance. Since that time, engagement across the academic sector both nationally and internationally has grown steadily. In the near future in Australia, we look forward to establishing a Defence Cooperative Research Centre that will further develop our national research talent and sow the seeds of a new generation of systems for Defence. Looking back over the last century at the predictions made about general pur- pose robotics and AI in particular, it seems appropriate to ask “so where are all the robots?” Why don't we see them more embedded in society? Is it because they can't deal with the inevitable unpredictability of open environments— in the case for the military, situations that are contested? Is it because these machines are simply not smart enough? Or is it because humans cannot trust them? For the military, these problems may well be the hardest challenges of all, as failure may come with high consequences. This book then appropriately in the spirit of foundations examines the topic with an open and enquiring flavour, teasing apart critical philosophical, scientific, mathematical, application and ethical issues, rather than assuming a stance of advocacy. vii