US military seeks common controllers for drones and robotic systems

Several United States military services are seeking common control interfaces capable of operating different unmanned aircraft, ground robots and other autonomous platforms from fewer operator stations. Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and special-operations acquisition efforts are examining approaches that reduce dependence on manufacturer-specific controllers and enable operators to manage multiple systems. Standardized software and command links could support integration of new platforms without replacing the entire control architecture or retraining personnel for every design. The current activity centers on requirements gathering and industry engagement, rather than selection of one universal controller or award of a fleet-wide procurement contract.