Ground Advocacy

Driving the Future of Autonomous Systems on the Ground 

For decades, the United States has led the world in advanced technology and manufacturing, driving economic strength, national security, and global influence. Today, that leadership faces a test in autonomous ground systems, where robotics, AI, and physical platforms are transforming logistics, defense, public safety, and industrial operations. 

Advanced robotics and autonomous systems are no longer science fiction; they move goods, inspect infrastructure, support first responders, extend operational reach, and build the future. Paired with AI and advanced computing, they are becoming foundational infrastructure for commercial and defense missions alike. 

But this future is not guaranteed. Without the right rules, policies, and supply chains, autonomy cannot scale safely or securely. Global competitors, particularly state-backed firms in China, are moving fast, consolidating supply chains and shaping markets. The U.S. must act decisively to maintain leadership. 

That’s where the Ground Advocacy Committee (GAC) comes in. 

The GAC unites industry to turn vision into action, shaping federal policy for autonomous ground systems—from logistics and delivery vehicles to defense and public safety robots. No single company can navigate this landscape alone—but together, industry can ensure U.S. ground autonomy is safe, scalable, and strategically aligned. 

Measurable Impact Across Policy and Operations 

In 2025, AUVSI and its members helped set the foundation for U.S. leadership in ground autonomy. Through early and consistent engagement, the GAC helped advance regulatory frameworks and industrial capacity for robotics and autonomous ground systems. These achievements are detailed in our blog: AUVSI Helped Tip the Scales for Autonomy in 2025. 

Why Join the GAC 

GAC membership offers a seat at the table to:  

• Gain early insight into emerging policy 
• Shape industry positions before decisions are made 
• Ensure real-world operational experience informs the rules 
• Reduce uncertainty and unlock deployment at scale 
• Influence federal, state, and local decisions shaping the future of advanced robotics and autonomous ground systems 

Joining the Ground Advocacy Committee means you help write the playbook for the future of autonomous ground systems.  

Get Involved

For companies ready to influence how robotics and autonomous ground systems are deployed, integrated, and scaled across industries and missions, the GAC is where your voice matters. Contact Grant Baker to learn more about joining the GAC. 

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• Chairman: Pat Acox (Forterra)
• Vice-chairman: Jason Brown (Applied Intuition Defense)

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Turning Momentum into Action: 2026 Priorities 

The GAC is focused on practical outcomes, scalability, and U.S. leadership. Our top priorities include: 

1. Supporting a Coordinated National Approach to Robotics Leadership 
   In 2026, AUVSI launched the Partnership for Robotics Competitiveness to advocate for policies that elevate robotics as a national strategic priority, securing U.S. technological leadership, strengthening the domestic industrial base, bolstering supply-chain resilience, and preparing the workforce to safely and responsibly deploy robotics and physical AI. 
2. Shaping Federal Funding and Authorities for Autonomous Ground Systems 
   Engage with Congress and the Department of War to influence appropriations, authorizations, and program direction that accelerate the development, testing, and fielding of autonomous ground systems for defense missions such as logistics, sustainment, and force protection. 
3. Advancing a Clear Policy Case for Commercial Ground Robotics 
   Work with congressional offices to demonstrate how commercial applications—across autonomous vehicles, trucking, warehousing, and industrial robotics—drive productivity, improve safety, address persistent labor shortages, and create regulatory clarity that supports responsible deployment at scale.