Early-Stage Validation of Autonomous Vehicles in Ambiguous Environments : A Systems-Theoretic Process Analysis (STPA) of an Autonomous Military Defense Industry Vehicle

Abstract: This report delves into the early developmental phase of an autonomous vehicle designed for defense applications. Navigating diverse terrains, this unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) poses unique challenges, particularly in the absence of clearly defined directives found in typical traffic scenarios. The analysis employs the Systems-Theoretic Process Analysis (STPA) to identify and anticipate risks inherent in the conceptual stage of product development. Beyond the specific UGV case, the report explores the broader landscape of validating autonomous systems. It discusses prevalent methods, emphasizing adaptability to different contexts and stages of development. By shedding light on the risks and challenges of autonomy in vehicles and examining effective validation strategies, this report aims to contribute valuable insights to the ongoing discourse surrounding autonomous vehicle development.