Today’s autonomous systems—whether operating underground, in cities, or across contested airspace—are only as capable as the navigation technologies that guide them. A recent discussion on Autonomy Global with guests Justin Thomas (Exyn Technologies), Pramod Raheja (Airgility) and Karson Kall (WISPR Systems) highlighted how advances in Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) are reshaping what autonomous drones and vehicles can do, while also raising new questions about reliability, mission readiness, and the expanding role of AI in high-risk environments.
One theme stands out: precision navigation is no longer just a technical challenge. Satellite-based correction services are pushing GNSS accuracy into the centimeter range, opening new opportunities for mapping, surveying, and automation. However, guests noted that these space-based solutions still face hurdles such as latency, atmospheric distortion, and vulnerability to interference—factors that matter greatly for real-time autonomous operations.
The conversation also explored how autonomy continues to evolve in environments where GPS is degraded or unavailable. Research in GNSS-denied navigation shows that no single sensor or algorithm is sufficient; drones must combine LiDAR, cameras, inertial data, onboard mapping, and more to remain reliable. This layered approach to navigation is becoming essential as autonomous systems venture deeper into complex or restricted spaces.
A final and critical point centered on the ethical dimension of autonomous technologies. As navigation and decision-making systems mature, they are increasingly relevant to defense applications, including lethal autonomous weapons. The discussion touched on concerns involving accountability, human oversight, and the pace at which autonomous military systems are advancing around the world.
These intersections—between capability, risk, and responsibility—underscore why the future of autonomy depends on both technical innovation and thoughtful governance.
To explore the full conversation and the articles that inspired it, read the original analysis on Autonomy Global: “When Autonomy Takes Aim: PNT, GNSS-Denied Navigation and the Moral Hazard of Lethal AI Systems.” 
