FAU’s CA-AI secures $2.2 million US Air Force grant for next-generation autonomous systems

As autonomous technology continues to expand its presence across commercial and defense applications, significant limitations remain. Today’s machines can operate intelligently on their own, but they often cannot work together effectively as part of a network. This gap (systems are individually smart but collectively flawed) is a major barrier to implementing autonomous operations in complex and competitive environments.

Overcoming this challenge is essential to enabling the next generation of autonomous intelligence that can sense, learn, and act together.

To address this critical need, the Center for Connected Autonomy and Artificial Intelligence (CA-AI) at Florida Atlantic University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science has been awarded a $2,250,000 grant from the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to develop an advanced network of autonomous systems that can work together. This project collaborates FAU, the University at Buffalo (UB), and the University of Minnesota to combine strengths in intelligent wireless systems, edge AI technology, swarm networks, and large-scale test environments.

“We are studying how connected AI machines and robots can work together to solve complex problems,” said principal investigator Dimitris Pados, Ph.D., CA-AI director, distinguished engineering scholar in the School of Engineering and Computer Science, and the Charles E. Schmidt Research Fellow in the FAU Sensing Institute (I-SENSE). “To realize the vision of AI autonomous systems, we need to move from smart units to intelligent, coordinated collectives.”

At the heart of the project is a shift from reliance on cloud computing to networked edge AI, where autonomous systems communicate with each other while performing distributed sensing and AI inference directly on the board. These systems are designed to work like a coordinated team, allowing machines to share information, collectively make decisions, and dynamically respond to changing conditions.

Pados and the research team are developing machine learning technology that allows the system to sense the spectrum environment and automatically adapt how it communicates, avoiding interference and maintaining strong, secure connections even in highly contentious or degraded conditions. By incorporating AI directly into wireless communication systems, the team is enabling machines to make real-time decisions about how to transmit data and support distributed intelligence across the network.

This work represents a significant technical advance based on new theory, methods, and empirical evidence, which are highlighted in Nature Reviews as a breakthrough in the field.

Research is organized around three main areas: Developing secure, connected edge AI algorithms for learning and inference. We implement these capabilities directly into hardware systems spanning processors, GPUs, and FPGAs from the antenna to the application. and a comprehensive workforce development initiative that trains students from high school to doctoral level in the next generation of AI-driven networking and robotics. Collectively, these efforts are aimed at accelerating the transition of basic research into technologies that can be deployed for important national applications.

“This award reflects the pioneering research being conducted within the School of Engineering and Computer Science and strengthens Florida Atlantic University’s role as a leader in next-generation technologies,” said Dr. Stella Batalama, dean of the School of Engineering and Computer Science. “The ability for autonomous systems to collaboratively communicate, learn, and adapt will redefine the future of intelligent systems and strengthen our nation’s technological leadership and security.”

Over the past several years, AFRL has invested more than $8 million in joint FAU and UB research efforts to support advancements in smart, programmable wireless networking and lay the foundation for the next phase focused on fully integrated, AI-enabled autonomous systems.

The project will also focus on extending these technologies into increasingly complex real-world environments while expanding education and workforce training efforts. Students at all levels gain hands-on experience designing, testing, and deploying AI-enabled networked systems, helping to build a pipeline of talent who can lead in the rapidly evolving field of autonomous systems and intelligent communications.

CA-AI will serve as the hub for this effort, bringing together expertise in AI-enabled technologies, machine learning, cognitive radio, secure wireless communications, and software-defined radio systems. Supported by advanced testbeds and real-world simulation platforms, the center has established itself as a leader in the development of autonomous wireless networked robotic systems capable of operating in challenging and dynamic communication environments.

– Fau –

About FAU’s School of Engineering and Computer Science:

The FAU College of Engineering and Computer Science is internationally recognized for innovative research and education in the fields of computer science and artificial intelligence (AI), computer engineering, electrical engineering, biomedical engineering, civil, environmental and geoengineering, mechanical engineering, and ocean engineering. Research conducted by faculty and their teams exposes students to the technological innovations that drive today’s cutting-edge fields. The University’s research activities are supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Defense (DOD), Department of Transportation (DOT), Department of Education (DOEd), the State of Florida, and industry. The FAU College of Engineering and Computer Science offers degrees with a modern twist, with specializations in national priority areas such as AI, cybersecurity, the Internet of Things, transportation and supply chain management, and data science. New degree programs include a Master of Science in AI (a first in Florida), a Master of Science and Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Analytics, and new professional Master of Science and Doctorate degrees. In the field of computer science for working professionals. Click here to learn more about the college. eng.fau.edu.

About Florida Atlantic University:

Florida Atlantic University has more than 32,000 undergraduate and graduate students on six campuses along the southeast Florida coast. Recognized as one of only 13 institutions in the nation to earn three Carnegie Foundation designations – R1: Very high research costs and production of Ph.D.,””Opportunity Colleges and Universities,” and Carnegie Community Engagement Classification – FAU is located at the intersection of academic excellence and social mobility. Ranked among the top 100 public universities by U.S. News & World Report, FAU is also recognized nationally as a Top 25 Best-in-Class University and cited by Washington Monthly as “one of the nation’s most effective drivers of upward mobility.” If you would like to learn more please visit: www.fau.edu.