Florida Atlantic University’s Center for Connected Autonomy and Artificial Intelligence (CA-AI) has received a $2.25 million grant from the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory to develop collaborative autonomous systems designed to operate in complex environments. The project brings together researchers from Florida Atlantic University, the University at Buffalo and the University of Minnesota to advance technologies in intelligent wireless systems, edge artificial intelligence, swarm networking and large-scale testing environments.
The research focuses on improving how autonomous machines communicate and coordinate with one another. While many autonomous systems can independently perform tasks, researchers said limitations remain in enabling groups of systems to operate collectively and adaptively in contested or degraded environments.
Dimitris Pados, director of CA-AI and principal investigator on the project, said the initiative aims to move beyond isolated autonomous units toward coordinated systems capable of solving complex problems collaboratively.
The project centers on the use of networked edge AI, which enables autonomous systems to conduct sensing and AI inference directly on devices rather than relying on centralized cloud computing. Researchers are developing machine learning technologies that allow systems to monitor wireless spectrum conditions and adjust communications automatically to avoid interference and maintain secure connections.
According to the university, the work includes integrating AI capabilities into wireless communication systems so autonomous machines can make real-time decisions about transmitting data and supporting distributed intelligence across networks.
The research effort is organized into three primary areas: developing secure edge-AI algorithms for learning and inference; implementing those capabilities in hardware systems including processors, GPUs and FPGAs; and workforce development programs aimed at training students in AI-driven networking and robotics.
Stella Batalama, dean of FAU’s College of Engineering and Computer Science, said the project reflects the university’s focus on next-generation technologies and autonomous systems research.
The Air Force Research Laboratory has invested more than $8 million in joint research efforts between Florida Atlantic University and the University at Buffalo in recent years, supporting research in programmable wireless networking and AI-enabled autonomous systems.
The project also includes education and workforce training initiatives intended to provide students with experience designing and testing AI-enabled networked systems. CA-AI conducts research in machine learning, cognitive radio, secure wireless communications and software-defined radio systems, with a focus on autonomous wireless-networked robotic systems operating in dynamic communication environments.
Photo credits: Alex Dolce, Florida Atlantic University
