As the uncrewed ground vehicle (UGV) sector expands, security concerns have become increasingly prominent. Neya Systems, in collaboration with the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), has announced a new initiative to address these challenges. The organizations plan to develop a comprehensive cybersecurity and supply chain framework and certification program for UGVs. More information about the partnership can be found here.
Focus on Security and Reliability
The collaboration between Neya Systems and AUVSI aims to establish standards and testing protocols that enhance the security, safety, performance, and reliability of uncrewed and autonomous ground vehicles. This initiative responds to an observed need for standardized evaluation and certification within the industry. The proposed framework will focus on improving the protection, mitigation, recovery, and adaptability of UGVs, thereby enhancing their overall reliability.
Neya Systems Brings Cybersecurity Expertise
Neya Systems, based in Warrendale, Pa., specializes in advanced vehicle-agnostic autonomy solutions and has been recognized with a 2024 RBR50 Robotics Innovation Award for its cyber autonomy initiative. The company’s collaboration with the Embodied AI Foundation to update the CARLA open-source simulator for autonomous driving research to Unreal Engine 5 showcases its commitment to cybersecurity. Neya intends to leverage its experience in applying the U.S. Department of Defense’s Zero Trust cybersecurity principles to its autonomy software in this partnership.
AUVSI’s Industry Knowledge
AUVSI, headquartered in Arlington, Va., brings extensive industry expertise to the table. The nonprofit organization represents professionals from more than 60 countries working in defense, civil, and commercial markets. AUVSI’s Cyber Working Group has previously advised on the development of the Green UAS Frameworks, providing a verification method approved by the Defense Innovation Unit as compliant with the National Defense Authorization Act requirements for drones. This experience will be critical in developing a robust certification program for ground vehicles.
In the past, similar initiatives have primarily focused on the aerial domain, reflecting the growing concern for cybersecurity in UGVs. Comparatively, this new effort expands the focus to ground vehicles, addressing a broader spectrum of uncrewed systems. The collaboration between Neya Systems and AUVSI indicates a shift towards more comprehensive security measures across various uncrewed platforms. This evolution signifies a step forward in standardizing cybersecurity practices in the growing field of autonomous technology.
Neya Systems’ previous work with the U.S. Army, converting the Palletized Load System into an optionally crewed, autonomous vehicle, further demonstrates its capability in this domain. These efforts highlight the company’s longstanding commitment to advancing UGV technology while prioritizing security and reliability. This historical context underscores the importance of the newly announced certification program in addressing evolving cybersecurity challenges.
The introduction of a cybersecurity and supply chain certification program for UGVs by Neya Systems and AUVSI marks a significant development in the uncrewed systems industry. By establishing standardized testing protocols, the initiative aims to enhance the security and reliability of autonomous ground vehicles. This comprehensive approach addresses the growing need for robust cybersecurity measures in UGVs, reflecting the industry’s evolving landscape.
