Fraunhofer Segment for Defense and Security VVS
Responsible use of new technologies for future air combat systems
The development of future air defense systems requires close integration of manned and unmanned platforms, networked information domains, and highly automated functions. Through FACT, selected technological foundations and concepts are being further developed to enable the secure, transparent, and accountable use of modern information and decision-making systems.
The focus is on issues related to technical controllability, human-machine interaction, and the integration of artificial intelligence into complex mission systems. The goal is to establish the prerequisites for “ethical and legal compliance by design” early in the development process.
Responsibility and technical control
How can we ensure that human responsibility remains guaranteed at all times, even in highly automated systems? This question is at the heart of the work in the FACT research area. Research institutions, government agencies, and other partners are collaborating to define and implement technical and organizational guidelines for the responsible use of future technologies.
Future technologies for networked air combat systems
FACT addresses key technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, trustworthy information processing, human-machine interaction, and resilient communication and information architectures. Open system approaches and networked decision support are intended to reduce the complexity of future missions and support humans in their role as responsible decision-makers.
Humans at the center of decision-making
Even with increasing automation, humans remain the linchpin of the mission. Modern assistance and information systems are designed to support decision-making processes without replacing human responsibility. Key development goals include transparency, traceability, and technical controllability of complex systems.
The principle of responsibility goes beyond concepts such as “human-in-the-loop.” Systems must be designed in such a way that effective human control and traceable evaluation of automated functions are guaranteed at all times.
FACT builds on preliminary work and insights from earlier research activities in the field of future air combat systems and is specifically advancing selected technological issues.