SMU TAKES BOLD STEP IN CYBERSECURITY WITH $2.7M FEDERAL GRANT TO STUDY AI-POWERED DEVICES

According to a recent Dallas Innovates article, Southern Methodist University is taking a bold step in shaping the future of cybersecurity with a $2.7 million federal grant to study AI-powered devices like drones and robots. This research focuses on understanding how these systems interact with the world around us and how to keep them safe in an ever-changing digital environment.

Led by Dr. Mitch Thornton, executive director of the Darwin Deason Institute for Cybersecurity and Cecil H. Green Chair of Engineering, the project utilizes SMU’s Cyber-Autonomy Range, a state-of-the-art testing environment where researchers can safely assess AI-powered devices.

By employing digital twins—virtual replicas of real-world testing sites—the team can simulate attacks, identify vulnerabilities, and test solutions without relying solely on physical equipment. This method allows for faster, more efficient evaluation while ensuring safety and reliability as AI-powered devices become increasingly integrated into everyday life.

This research is part of a broader trend in higher education:

– Carnegie Mellon University physical testbeds connected to virtual classrooms, letting students remotely control and analyze real-world systems.
– Stanford University creates AI-powered “digital twin brains” to model how children solve math problems, offering new insights into learning disabilities.

What makes this work particularly exciting is its forward-looking focus: by studying vulnerabilities now, SMU researchers are helping make AI and machine learning safer and more reliable. This project is’nt just about cybersecurity—it’s about building a future where humans and autonomous machines can operate safely and effectively together.

Read more: https://dallasinnovates.com/smu-lands-2-7m-federal-grant-to-test-autonomous-systems-against-new-class-of-cyber-threats/

Preston, Quincy. “SMU Lands $2.7M Federal Grant to Test Autonomous Systems Against ‘New Class’ of Cyber Threats.” Dallas Innovates, 9 Oct. 2025.