MATRIX Lab Workshop Focuses on Fielding Autonomous Systems

The University of Maryland (UMD) A. James Clark School of Engineering MATRIX Lab and the UMD Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS) are spearheading an effort to ensure that autonomous systems are safe and reliable for use in our everyday lives. As part of this effort, on February 4th, 2026, the MATRIX Lab, in coordination with ARLIS, hosted a workshop focusing on the current research gaps and workforce needs that must be fulfilled to promote the development and fielding of autonomous systems.

“Future autonomous systems will be defined by how we shape them. I am proud that my colleagues at the University of Maryland are leading this conversation and actively working to improve the field of autonomy,” said Dr. Reza Ghodssi, UMD Distinguished University Professor and MATRIX Lab Executive Director of Research and Innovation. “Events like these keep the University at the forefront of impactful research and education.”

The Development, Test, Evaluation, Verification & Validation (DTEVV) Workshop identified research and workforce gaps hindering the ability to field autonomous systems safely and efficiently. The workshop was organized by Dr. Donald “Bucket” Costello, the Director of Test and Evaluation of Autonomous Systems at the MATRIX Lab, and Dr. Brian A. Weiss, a Research Engineer at ARLIS. Drs. Costello and Weiss focus on the development and execution of tests and evaluation (T&E) of technologies with intelligent/autonomous capabilities in their research.

More information can be found on the UMD ECE News (12 - February / 2026)