Todd Hughes, Chief Innovation Officer at Scientific Systems

In this episode of The Techne Connect, we speak with Todd Hughes, Chief Innovation Officer at Scientific Systems. Todd explains how the company develops autonomous systems for contested, GPS-denied environments and why software-centric autonomy will shape the next generation of defence robotics.He shares his journey from academic philosophy to DARPA programme management, outlining the origins of modern AI techniques, the limits of current machine learning and the need for world models, open architectures and rigorous ethical thinking. Todd also speaks about the future of multi-agent collaboration, autonomy without human oversight and the moral responsibility involved in deploying intelligent systems at scale.He gives clear guidance for engineers on critical thinking, interdisciplinary learning and tackling hard open-world robotics problems. This episode offers a direct look at autonomy, defence innovation and the skills needed for the next decade of AI.The Techne Connect Podcast 🎧Thank you for listening to Techne Connect! This podcast takes you inside the companies and conversations shaping the future of engineering.From space and defence to robotics, AI, clean energy, advanced manufacturing and next-generation mobility, each episode features the founders, engineers and technology leaders building tomorrow's world.Through candid discussions on innovation, leadership, product development and career journeys, the podcast uncovers the ideas, challenges and breakthroughs driving the world's fastest-moving industries. Whether you're an engineer, founder, investor or simply fascinated by emerging technology.Techne Connect offers a front-row seat to the people creating what's next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.