What is JAUS? The Joint Architecture for Unmanned Systems (JAUS) is a DoD-mandated standard to promote interoperability of unmanned systems.

JAUS is mandated for use by all of the programs in the Joint Ground Robotics Enterprise (JGRE). JAUS is an upper level design for Unmanned Ground Vehicles, although JAUS can be used on any unmanned system (ground, air, sea surface or underwater). It is a component based, message-passing architecture that specifies data formats and methods of communication among computing nodes. It defines messages and component behaviors that are independent of technology, computer hardware, operator use, and vehicle platforms.

The goals of JAUS include:
- Reduce life cycle costs
- Reduce development and integration time
- Provide a framework for technology insertion
- Accommodate expansion of existing systems with new capabilities

There are three JAUS compliance levels: 1, 2 or 3. Level 1 compliance requires all communications from subsystem to subsystem (e.g. from controller to robot) to be JAUS messages. Level 2 compliance requires communications between nodes (i.e. processors) to be JAUS messages. Level 3 compliance entails all components (i.e. processes) communicate via JAUS messages.

JAUS currently enables interoperability for unmanned vehicles. JAUS does not
guarantee interoperability. JAUS should be viewed as a framework for expediting the integration of unmanned systems, allowing them to interoperate.

JAUS Compliance
The JAUS compliance specification document can be found at:
http://www.jauswg.org/baseline/CS%20V1.2%2025%20OCT%2006.doc. Compliance currently falls upon the program managers of programs with JAUS requirements to generate the test plan to verify JAUS compliance according to the JAUS Compliance Specification document. The SAE AS-4 group continues to investigate compliance issues for the purpose of providing future recommended compliance verification procedures and tools.

RE2's Leadership in the JAUS Working Group
RE2 is involved in several key leadership roles within the JAUS Working Group and the SAE AS-4 committees. RE2 is represented in several influential positions, including the Executive Committee, SAE-AS4 committee and Chair of the Weapons Payload Subcommittee/Task Group. By participating in the development and evolution of the JAUS standard, RE2 has a unique insight into how JAUS is being implemented across the industry.

Implementing JAUS

Features and Benefits of the RE2 JAUS SDK

For more information, please email jaus@resquared.com.

JAUS WHITEPAPER (PDF)
"A Practical View and Future Look at JAUS"

Author: Jorgen Pedersen, President & CEO, RE2, Inc.