Autonomous systems are no longer the stuff of science fiction - they are already reshaping our lives in many ways . In this episode of Intelligence Explosion, host Tamim Asey sits down with Dr. Zena Assaad award-winning researcher, engineer and podcast host of Responsible Bytes whose groundbreaking work explores the promise, peril and paradox of autonomy and human-machine teaming.

Dr. Assaad has been recognized as one of the Top 10 Women in AI in Asia-Pacific, awarded the Women in AI Defence and Intelligence Award and named among the 100 Brilliant Women in AI Ethics. From unmanned aerial systems to human-machine teaming she has become a leading global voice on how we design, deploy and govern autonomous technologies responsibly.

Together, we unpack:

•The ethics and engineering of trust in autonomous systems.
•How human–machine teaming is reshaping defense and security.
•The risks and dilemmas of handing decision-making power to machines.
•Why responsible AI frameworks are critical for defense innovation.
•The future of autonomy: balancing control, responsibility, and trust.

Join us for an insightful and deeply intriguing conversation that ventures into the uncharted frontiers of autonomous systems, technology and responsibility with Dr. Zena Assaad as our guide.