PODCAST: Robotics and artificial intelligence in the military domain, with Lieutenant Colonel Dr Adam J Hepworth

Joint-capabilities
|
By: Robyn Tongol

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Robert Dougherty is joined by the director of the Australian Army’s Robotic and Autonomous Systems Implementation and Coordination Office, Lieutenant Colonel Dr Adam J Hepworth, as they discuss emerging artificial intelligence and robotics implications for the Australian Army.

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Robert Dougherty is joined by the director of the Australian Army’s Robotic and Autonomous Systems Implementation and Coordination Office, Lieutenant Colonel Dr Adam J Hepworth, as they discuss emerging artificial intelligence and robotics implications for the Australian Army.

LTCOL Hepworth leads the advancement of emerging technology, including robotics, autonomous systems, AI and autonomy for the Australian Army. He holds a bachelor of science in mathematics from the University of NSW, a master of logistics and supply chain management from the University of South Australia, a graduate diploma in scientific computation and a master of science in operations research from the United States Naval Postgraduate School, and a doctor of philosophy in computer science from the University of NSW.

He is a visiting fellow at the University of NSW and an expert member of the Global Commission for Responsible AI in the Military.

The pair discuss a range of topics, including:

  • An outline of LTCOL Hepworth’s responsibilities as director of the Australian Army’s Robotic and Autonomous Systems Implementation and Coordination Office.
  • An invitation to join the Expert Advisory Group for the Global Commission on Responsible AI in the Military Domain, on behalf of the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs.
  • A general overview of responsible military AI and irresponsible AI, as well as the benefits achieved with military AI use and challenges from that use, that Australia needs to be aware of.
  • Short and long-term recommendations for governance and regulation of artificial intelligence in the military domain.
  • Work on responsible artificial intelligence in the military domain being completed in Australia.
  • The importance of keeping a human in the loop for AI-based decision making and the evolution of new military technology into the future.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

Want to see more stories from trusted news sources?
Make Defence Connect a preferred news source on Google.
Click here to add Defence Connect as a preferred news source.

Tags:

Listen to previous episodes of the Defence Connect podcast:

Episode 11: SPOTLIGHT: Cyber warfare, autonomy and the future of defence, with Palo Alto Networks’ Tom Scully and MAJGEN (Ret’d) John Davis
Episode 10: CONTESTED GROUND: Fortune favours the bold – building a national security strategy for the 21st century, with Marc Ablong
Episode 9: PODCAST: Developing Australia’s ability to take a hit and keep fighting, with the honourable Andrew Hastie MP, shadow minister for industry and sovereign capability
Episode 8: PODCAST: AUKUS expansion, artillery manufacturing and Australia’s regional defence role
Episode 7: SPOTLIGHT: Building mass, capability and trust with autonomous and uncrewed systems, with Michael Mitchell, Elysium EPL director
Episode 6: PODCAST: Defence policy, domestic manufacturing and military culture, with Senator Malcolm Roberts
Episode 5: SPOTLIGHT: LAND 156, counter-drone warfare and electronic warfare capability, with Department 13’s Ben Westgarth
Episode 4: PODCAST: Australia’s first 3D printed autonomous USV, with Josh Wigley and Harry Hubbert
Episode 3: PODCAST: Australia’s shipbuilding future, landing craft pipeline and autonomous vessels, with Austal CEO Paddy Gregg
Episode 2: CONTESTED GROUND: Assessing the fallout and implications of the latest Trump–Xi meeting for Iran, Taiwan and Australia