Ground Advocacy

Driving the Future of Robotics & 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 

AUVSI and its members have 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. Some of these recent achievements are detailed in our blog: AUVSI Helped Tip the Scales for Autonomy in 2025. 

Building National Momentum for Robotics Policy

As robotics has become a national priority, AUVSI has emerged as one of the leading organizations shaping the conversation in Washington. In 2026, AUVSI launched the Partnership for Robotics Competitiveness (PfRC), bringing together leading robotics companies and stakeholders to advocate for a comprehensive National Robotics Strategy that strengthens U.S. innovation, manufacturing, workforce development, and supply chain resilience.

This leadership has been recognized nationally. POLITICO named AUVSI President & CEO Michael Robbins a “Power Player” in Washington’s robotics race with China, recognizing his role in shaping policy discussions around robotics, autonomous systems, and U.S. technological competitiveness.

Robbins has also testified before Congress three times on behalf of the robotics industry, reinforcing AUVSI’s role as the trusted voice for autonomous systems:

• House Committee on Homeland Security — DeepSeek and Unitree Robotics: Examining the National Security Risks of PRC Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Autonomous Technologies and Building a Secure U.S. Technology Base – Committee on Homeland Security (March 2026)
• House Science, Space, and Technology Committee — Research and Technology Subcommittee Hearing – Robots Made in America: Advancing U.S. Leadership in Manufacturing and Automation (April 2026)
• House Energy and Commerce Committee — Communications and Technology Subcommittee – Legislative Hearing on Protecting Communications Networks and Improving Connectivity (July 2026)

Together, these milestones demonstrate how AUVSI translates industry expertise into national policy, ensuring lawmakers and federal agencies have access to the technical insight needed to strengthen American leadership in robotics and autonomous systems.

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 Hunter Koski (hkoski@auvsi.org) 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.