Autonomy levels for unmanned systems (ALFUS) framework: safety and application issues

The Autonomy Levels for Unmanned Systems (ALFUS) framework is generic and applicable to multiple unmanned system (UMS) domains. The key component of the Framework is metrics along the three established axes or aspects. This paper attempts to examine how the metrics might be applied to selected domains that include homeland security, manufacturing, and defense. In particular, the paper attempts to lay out how the critical UMS concerns, including requirements specification, performance measures, safety, and risks might be established from the Framework.