DEFINITION:

A system (operation) that is capable of performing a task in full autonomy showing autonomous behaviour.
This means that the system should be able to act without the direct intervention of humans (or other agents) and should have control over its own actions and internal state.

(Source: ACARE Domain 620)

SUBDOMAINS:

1. Characteristics of an autonomous system:

1.1. Autonomous behaviour: The system should be able to act without the direct intervention of humans (or other agents) and should have control over its own actions and internal state.

1.2. Reactive behaviour: The system should perceive their environment and respond in a timely fashion to changes that occur in it.

1.3. Pro-active behaviour / Goal oriented behaviour: The system should not simply act in response to their environment, they should be able to exhibit opportunistic, goal-directed behaviour and take the initiative where appropriate.

1.4. Social behaviour: The system should be able to interact, when they deem appropriate

Further characteristics:

2. Mission planning
3. Sensor data processing: processing step before data fusion.
4. Autonomous decision making
5. Expert systems
6. Threat avoidance / Conflict resolution