This is a presentation on Key AI/ML technologies that General Atomics Aeronautical (GA-ASI) is developing to solve tough DoD problems utilizing the current and next generation GA-ASI Unnamed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).

Rey Nicolas, Director of Software, Autonomy and AI Solutions leads General Atomics Aeronautical System’s Autonomy and AI teams developing next generation Autonomous Command and Control (C2) systems, Autonomous Processing, Exploitation, Dissemination (PED) systems, and AI edge processing for flight and sensor autonomy, air-to-air combat, and air-to-ground Intelligence, surveillance, and Intelligence (ISR) missions. Rey is also an Executive Committee Leader for SAE Standard Works that is developing AI in Aviation Safety Standards. Previously, Rey worked for Intel Corporation and Motorola/Google leading AI R&D and product development for multiple product lines in the smart and connected home, autonomous driving, and healthcare applications. Rey has published over 10+ research publications in Deep Learning. Rey holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of California San Diego, Master’s in Computer Science from the University of Illinois, and MBA from San Diego State University.

Dr. MacAllister is an AI/ML Solutions Architect and Sr. AI/ML Manager for General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. Her work focuses on prototyping novel machine learning algorithms, developing machine learning algorithms using sparse, heterogenous or imbalanced data sets, and exploratory data analytics. Currently, Dr. MacAllister is leading the exploration of novel air to air combat strategies though faster than real time simulation and Reinforcement Learning agents for General Atomics Advanced Programs division. Throughout her career she has provided key contributions in a number of interdisciplinary areas such as prognostic health management, human performance augmentation, advanced sensing, and artificial intelligence aids for future warfare strategies. This work has received several awards and commendations from internal technical review bodies. Dr. MacAllister has published over two dozen peer reviewed technical papers, conference proceedings, and journal articles across an array of emerging technology concepts. In addition, throughout her career, she has worked on a number of critical defense programs such as the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, DARPA Air Combat Evolution (ACE) and the General Atomics Predator family of systems. She also serves on the organizing committee of the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation & Education Conference (I/ITSEC). Dr. MacAllister holds a bachelor's degree from Iowa State University (ISU) in Mechanical Engineering. She also holds a Master's and PhD from ISU in Mechanical Engineering and Human-Computer Interaction