Work said the “technological sauce” of the first offset was miniaturization of nuclear components. In the second offset, he added, that “sauce” included digital microprocessors, information technologies, new sensors and stealth.

“We believe quite strongly that the technological sauce of the third offset is going to be advances in artificial intelligence and autonomy,” which will allow the department to create collaborative human-machine battle networks, he said.

Battle networks consist of three interconnected grids, Work explained — a sensor grid; a command, control, communications and intelligence grid; and an effects grid.

Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy

“AI and autonomy put inside these battle networks is going to allow collaborative human-machine operations to absolutely new levels, letting the machines do what they do best and humans do what they do best in what we call human-machine symbiosis,” the deputy secretary added.

The capabilities are being driven by revolutions in artificial intelligence, computer processing power, deep-learning machines and autonomous control systems, he said.

“DoD is going to leverage AI technology, particularly in things like cyber defense, electronic warfare defense and missile defense. But it’s also clear to us that we need to go to new levels of human-machine symbiosis,” Work added.