AI Seminar

AI-Enabled Autonomous Systems for Aerospace and Deep Space Missions: Implications for Research, Infrastructure, and Workforce

Speaker

Dr. Erick Jones Sr., Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Fellow of the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers(IISE)

Abstract

This seminar explores the integration of AI-enabled autonomous systems in aerospace and deep space missions, highlighting their transformative potential for research, infrastructure, and workforce development. We will discuss the shift from human-centric to agentic systems, the role of autonomous infrastructure (such as AI, RFID, and RTLS) in enabling complex missions, and the necessity of robust frameworks for testing, validation, and workforce readiness. By examining current trends and future directions, this talk aims to provide insights into how autonomous systems will shape the future of aerospace and the skills required for the next generation of engineers and researchers.

Furthermore, the presentation will demonstrate how advanced Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) methodologies—optimized through agentic AI—are essential for the architectural integrity of deep space activities. Drawing on high-level research frameworks developed in collaboration with NASA, Dr. Jones will illustrate how systems engineering provides the requisite "ground truth" for autonomous agents to manage complex, long-duration missions where terrestrial oversight is non-existent.

This discussion will use aerospace and deep-space systems as the lens to examine how AI-enabled sensing, RFID/RTLS, and trusted data architectures are enabling autonomy in space operations. Drawing on applied work with NASA, the session will highlight two use cases—space-based data-center monitoring and agentic robotic medical systems for deep-space missions—to frame opportunities for interdisciplinary research, testing protocols, and workforce development aligned with emerging federal priorities.

Key Discussion Areas

• Autonomous Aerospace Infrastructure: Use of AI, RFID/RTLS, and sensor-activated systems to monitor and manage mission-critical infrastructure, including data-center and spacecraft environments
• Agentic Medical Systems for Deep Space: Architectures supporting AI-driven, robotic-assisted medical and surgical capabilities, including data pipelines, decision layers, and autonomy safeguards
• Testing, Validation, and Workforce Readiness: Ground-based and analog testing protocols, reliability frameworks, and interdisciplinary workforce models needed to transition autonomous aerospace systems from research to deployment

Bio

Dr. Erick Jones Sr. is a globally recognized scholar and executive leader in Industrial Engineering and autonomous systems. He is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and a Fellow of the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE). His career spans the highest levels of academia, government, and industry, including serving as a Program Director at the National Science Foundation for the ERC and GRFP flagship programs, a Senior Science Advisor and Jefferson Science Fellow at the U.S. State Department during the pandemic, and an Engineering Dean at a flagship institution.

With over 240 publications, more than $10 M in research funding, and graduating 17 PhDs, he has been tenured at three R1 institutions including an endowed professorship. His pioneering theories on automated inventory control, engineering economics, and systems thinking for the use of RFID with international standards for manufacturing and logistics. Most recently he was asked to publish a 2nd Edition of his foundational textbook initially published in 2006 with Taylor and Francis, “RFID in Logistics”. His research has led to new research activities in the field including the application of AI agents and LLM on RFID automation.

His two most recent studies on RFID monitoring of cooling systems for 100MW Geothermal Data Centers and Using AI agents to call RFID tracked medical supplies on NASA ISS are integrated into the new text. While updating his textbook, he currently serves as the Alfred P. Sloan Professor at PVAMU, where he leads strategic initiatives to expand the university’s R1 aspirations through research, advancement and the growth of its doctoral programs.