Thomas Stevens

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Thomas Stevens is a leading researcher in tactical communications and unmanned aerial systems (UAS), with a focus on resilient networking in contested environments. His most cited work, "Data Ferrying with Swarming UAS in Tactical Defence Networks" (2018), introduces a novel categorization of swarm communication into four distinct classes, identifying two as particularly viable for maintaining connectivity in radio-frequency contested battlefields. This contribution addresses a critical gap in defence network resilience, where traditional communications are often jammed or degraded. Stevens' research bridges swarming robotics and tactical data links, offering practical architectures for data ferrying—a method where UAS physically transport information between disconnected nodes. While his citation count (9 for this paper) reflects a niche but highly specialized audience, his work has influenced subsequent studies on autonomous relay networks and military drone swarms. Stevens' achievements include advancing the theoretical foundations of swarm-based communications, directly impacting NATO and allied defence research programs. For students and researchers, his work exemplifies how applied robotics can solve real-world military communication challenges, making him a key figure in the intersection of UAS autonomy and tactical networking.