Autonomous

Understanding the Autonomous Challenge

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies advance at pace, their integration into safety-critical systems presents new challenges, not just in engineering but in assurance, governance and trust. SQEP understands that customers seeking support in this area are often grappling with the complexities of adopting AI in regulated and safety-sensitive environments. The key is not just making AI work, but ensuring it is demonstrably safe, secure and ethically sound, so organisations can operate and innovate with confidence and meet their regulatory obligations.

setting the standard

Authority in Autonomous Systems

SQEP is a specialist engineering consultancy supporting government, defence, and industry clients across the entire autonomous technology lifecycle. Our expertise lies in helping clients navigate the assurance, compliance, and governance challenges unique to AI and autonomy. We don’t just build smart algorithms, we ensure they can be safely and reliably integrated into systems where failure is not an option. Our approach is rooted in deep technical knowledge, robust frameworks and a commitment to delivering outcomes that matter: safety, trust, and operational advantage.

Risk reduction

Proven Capabilities and Platforms

Our capabilities span functional safety and risk analysis, verification and validation for non-deterministic behaviours, human factors and AI interaction, data integrity and model lifecycle management, governance and ethics, security and resilience, system integration, and in-service monitoring. This breadth of expertise ensures that AI systems are safe, explainable, and compliant from day one, across a wide range of platforms and applications.

scope

Drones and uncrewed systems

SQEP has significant experience supporting the assurance and integration of drones and Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Our team has worked across the lifecycle of autonomous platforms, from concept phase hazard analysis for UAVs to software safety evaluations for uncrewed systems. We apply advanced methodologies – such as AI-specific hazard analysis, safety integrity levels, and risk mitigation strategies – to ensure that drone technologies are not only innovative but also safe, explainable and compliant from day one.

Thales Watchkeeper

SQEP supported the UK’s Watchkeeper programme, an advanced tactical ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance) asset, through technical assurance and communications systems delivery. Watchkeeper was capable of collecting, processing, and disseminating high-quality imagery intelligence across a layered ISTAR ecosystem. Its radar featured Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) modes, enabling long-range detection and imaging through cloud cover. Equipped with day/night cameras and a laser sub-system for target designation, Watchkeeper could identify and mark targets from significant stand-off distances. SQEP contributed to the platform’s communications sub-system safety and environmental assurance, ensuring secure data flow between airborne sensors and ground-based analysts. Although Watchkeeper was formally retired in March 2025, SQEP’s legacy of support reflects our deep expertise in autonomous air systems and our commitment to enabling mission-ready capability across the defence landscape.
DCE X3
LM Stalker VXE30 “Eagle”
LM Indago 4 “Kestrel”

Benefits

Why choose SQEP?

De-risked AI Adoption

Our expert guidance will help identify and mitigate AI-specific hazards early, reducing the likelihood of unsafe behaviours, system malfunctions, or unintended consequences. This lowers the cost and risk of adoption across new and existing programmes.

Accelerated Regulatory Approval

By aligning with best practice in safety, cyber, and compliance frameworks, your project is better positioned to secure approval from regulators, certification bodies, and accreditation authorities – faster and with fewer iterations.

Competitive Advantage

By building safe, assured, and trusted AI systems, your company strengthens its market position, particularly in sectors where trust, compliance, and mission assurance are essential to winning work.

Newsroom

Proven success across sectors

Our team consistently delivers success in the most demanding environments, demonstrating expertise in solving complex challenges and achieving critical outcomes. Visit our newsroom for more insights.