Intelligent Robotics and Autonomous Systems

The Intelligent Robotics and Autonomous Systems Interagency Working Group (IRAS IWG) was formed in 2017 to coordinate Federal IRAS R&D across 28 participating agencies. Their work grew out of the 2011 National Robotics Initiative and involves various aspects of autonomous robots including the accelerated development and use of collaborative robots and other intelligent physical systems. IRAS is focused on developing robust, safe, efficient, and ethical robots and intelligent systems that can assist people in their work and everyday lives. Advanced robotic systems can enhance safety, minimize human risk, support the elderly and disabled, and boost the Nation’s economic security and national defense.

Strategic Priorities

• Advance safe, efficient human-robot teaming and interactions to increase performance and enable new capabilities.
• Improve robots and autonomous systems to robustly sense, model, plan, learn, and act appropriately to perform the required tasks including in complex and uncertain situations.
• Increase investment in innovative R&D and the implementation of intelligent autonomous robots and enabling technologies.
• Advance the role of robotics in improving the resilience of critical infrastructure: (a) to respond to failures, incomplete or corrupted information and unknown environments; (b) to assist in national response to critical and emergent events including national disasters and emergencies; and (c) to help with the physical acquisition, understanding, analyzing and processing digital information in more robust and efficient ways.
• Develop and promote test and evaluation in standards to address responsible, ethical, and safe use of robotics, and increase broader and equitable participation in robotics.