Autonomy Reference Architecture/ ARA

Definition

The Autonomy Reference Architecture is a government-owned, MOSA-aligned reference for how autonomy software is decomposed across perception, world-model, planning, behavior, run-time assurance, and platform-services layers. It establishes interface contracts so that competing vendors can swap behavior libraries, planners, or perception stacks without rewriting the entire system. ARA-style architectures are the basis for CCA, ground-robot, and surface-vessel autonomy programs.

Reference attributes

Pattern

Layered, contract-defined

Layers

Perception, world model, plan, behavior, RTA, platform

Ownership

Government

Pairs with

OMS, UCI, FACE

Related terms

• Run-Time Assurance (RTA)
  Safety architecture that monitors and overrides untrusted autonomy at run time.
• Open Mission Systems (OMS)
  U.S. Air Force government-owned interface standard for airborne mission systems.
• Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA)
  U.S. Air Force program for affordable, autonomous wingmen teamed with crewed fighters.