Lockheed, MIT Linked in Research on Autonomous Technology

Lockheed Martin started a collaboration effort with Massachusetts Institute of Technology to research human-machine teaming and navigation in complex environments, among other technological issues involving autonomy and robotics.

Robert Brooks

May 18, 2016

While developers like Universal Robotics have pioneered collaborative robots for manufacturing Lockheed Martin has taken the position that autonomous or semiautonomous robots working with people will require technology that is capable of mastering ldquoperception processing power and planningrdquo mdash the Four Prsquos — While developers like Universal Robotics have pioneered collaborative robots for manufacturing, Lockheed Martin has taken the position that autonomous (or semi-autonomous) robots working with people will require technology that is capable of mastering “perception, processing, power and planning” — the Four P’s.

Lockheed Martin Corp. (IW500/30) announced a collaboration initiative with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to research “generation-after-next autonomous systems,” meaning human-machine teaming and navigation in complex environments, among other technological issues involving autonomy and robotics. The aerospace and defense manufacturer and the university formalized their multi-year collaboration with a master agreement, which calls for exchanging scientists, support for undergraduate research, fellowships, and Lockheed internships.

The specific working arrangement will be conducted through the Institute’s Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AeroAstro), in collaboration with MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory. Neither Lockheed nor MIT indicated the terms or budget for the initiative.

AeroAstro Department Head Jaime Peraire said the Lockheed agreement formalizes a partnership that has been in progress for several years, “and aligns with MIT’s mode of conducting research and education by melding academic rigor with real engineering challenges and applications.”

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About the Author

Robert Brooks

Content Director

Robert Brooks has been a business-to-business reporter, writer, editor, and columnist for more than 20 years, specializing in the primary metal and basic manufacturing industries. His work has covered a wide range of topics, including process technology, resource development, material selection, product design, workforce development, and industrial market strategies, among others. Currently, he specializes in subjects related to metal component and product design, development, and manufacturing — including castings, forgings, machined parts, and fabrications.

Brooks is a graduate of Kenyon College (B.A. English, Political Science) and Emory University (M.A. English.)