Advanced Technology Office (ATO)

Office responsible for the integration of new and future technology into military systems.
In 1957, Congress created the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in response to the Soviet Union’s launching of Sputnik I. The Advanced Technology Office (ATO), functioning under the authority and funding of DARPA, conducts research and integrates advanced technology into existing U.S. military systems. Researchers place special emphasis on maritime, communications, special operations, command and control, and information assurance and survivability mission areas. The goal of the ATO remains the most cost-effective use of technology to assist all branches of the military to fight against existing and future threats by outmaneuvering, gathering more intelligence, and reacting more quickly than the adversary. Current ATO programs include the development of artificial intelligence through the use of robotics, sensors, and satellites. Projects include Airborne Communications Node; Antipersonnel Landmine Alternative; Buoyant Cable Array Antenna; Center of Excellence for Research in Oceanographic Sciences; Future Combat Systems (FCS) Command and Control; FCS Communications; Metal Storm; Robust Passive Sonar; Submarine Payloads and Sensors Program; Tactical Mobile Robotics; Tactical Sensors; Undersea Littoral Warfare: Netted Search, Acquisition and Targeting (Net SAT); and Underwater Fighter (LOKI).Additional programs such as the Self-Healing Minefield system use the most advanced technology to prevent the breaching of minefields by the enemy. Instead of creating a static minefield, the program creates a dynamic minefield with the intelligent capability of physically reorganizing mines to prevent breaches by opposition forces. Government funding of the research has produced benefits for the American public as well because consumer applications for the technology exist and because ATO researchers continue to use high-tech devices developed by the private sector, which receives public funding for its research and development.

References
Keever, David B., ed. Interactive Management and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. Fairfax, VA: Institute for Advanced Study in the Integrative Sciences, George Mason University, 1990.
See also Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.