Michael P. Lerario

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Michael P. Lerario is a leading researcher at the intersection of military logistics, autonomous systems, and defense technology. His work focuses on the practical integration of automated driving systems into tactical environments, with a particular emphasis on the operational risks and strategic opportunities presented by unmanned ground vehicles. His most cited report, "Automating Army Convoys: Technical and Tactical Risks and Opportunities" (2020), provides a critical framework for how the U.S. Army can responsibly deploy automated convoy technologies in the near term. In this work, Lerario systematically evaluates the trade-offs between different employment concepts for automated trucks, balancing tactical advantages—such as reduced personnel exposure—against technical vulnerabilities and battlefield risks. While his citation count reflects a focused, policy-adjacent impact rather than broad academic reach, his contributions are highly influential within defense and military logistics circles. Lerario’s research is essential reading for anyone studying the real-world challenges of fielding autonomous systems in high-stakes, contested environments.