Revolutionizing Squad-Level Operations: S2RC’s Insightful Contribution at AHFE 2023

At Stone Solutions and Research Collective (S2RC), we are committed to fostering an environment that promotes continuous learning and advancement. Our pursuit of creating cutting-edge solutions led us to share our latest research at the prestigious 2023 AHFE International Conference on Human Factors in Design, Engineering, and Computing (AHFE 2023 Hawaii Edition).

Our joint research paper, titled “Small UXS-Squad Teaming: Military Operational Use Cases,” showcases our contribution to this pivotal conference. The paper, co-authored by Michael Jenkins (Knowmadics), Caroline Kingsley (Overmatch), Richard Stone (S2RC), and Sean Kelly (Knowmadics), investigates the escalating deployment of small unmanned systems, popularly known as drones, at squad or small unit level in military operations.

Our research, which emphasizes the use of commercial and bespoke drones like those employed in the Ukraine conflict, unveils the vast potential and capabilities these cost-effective platforms offer, particularly for Special Operations Forces (SOF). We have compiled invaluable feedback from representative military end-users to offer a comprehensive summary of operational use cases for commercially available small unmanned systems.
 
The goal? To furnish designers and developers of unmanned systems, payloads, autonomy, and associated capabilities with an operationally grounded set of use cases. This aims to help better inform their initiatives from the perspective of users who depend on these technologies – a population traditionally challenging to access.
 
Our contribution to AHFE 2023 is a testament to our commitment to driving innovation, enhancing industry knowledge, and pushing the boundaries of technological possibilities. At S2RC, we are proud to share and combine our knowledge and expertise with our esteemed partners, collectively shaping the future of squad-level operations and beyond.
 
Keen to learn more about our work at S2RC? We invite you to explore how our vast expertise could be an asset to your organization. Reach out to our Founder, Rick Stone, at rstone@s2rc.com, or contact the S2RC team directly at info@s2rc.com.

About S2RC

At Stone Solutions + Research Collective (S2RC), our essence lies in pioneering innovation within emerging and disruptive technologies. As a certified Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business and 8(a) firm, we are dedicated to delivering bespoke, cutting-edge solutions that give our clients a competitive edge. Our elite team of Subject Matter Experts spearheads this mission, merging in-depth research, advanced engineering, and comprehensive training into a unified strategy. This approach equips our clients with the foresight and skills necessary to lead and thrive in an ever-evolving technological landscape. At S2RC, we don’t just adapt to the future; we shape it.

Anthony Lavazza

VP, Operations

Anthony Lavazza serves as Vice President of Operations at S2RC, bringing over 20 years of expertise in military safety, federal regulatory compliance, and industrial training. He leads S2RC’s operational strategy for its growing Industrial Solutions division, overseeing the delivery of risk-mitigating safety programs, deployment of digital training platforms, and implementation of compliance systems across critical infrastructure and manufacturing environments.

Before joining S2RC, Anthony founded National Safety Group, where he directed high-impact safety engagements for semiconductor and infrastructure clients. His public sector experience includes serving as a Compliance Officer at the U.S. Department of Labor (OSHA), where he was responsible for the enforcement of federal safety regulations across construction, energy, and logistics sectors.

A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Anthony served more than a decade as a Ground Safety Manager and Bulk Fuel Specialist. He is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and OSHA Outreach Instructor. His academic background includes a Master of Science in Occupational Safety and Health from Eastern Kentucky University and a Bachelor of Science in Health Science from Arizona State University.

Anthony’s appointment reinforces S2RC’s commitment to modernizing workplace safety systems through AI-enabled training platforms and ergonomic human-machine interface development. His leadership supports safer, smarter, and more efficient industrial operations across the logistics, manufacturing, and infrastructure domains

Rick Stone

CEO & Founder, S2RC

Rick Stone leads S2RC with over 22 years of experience across government, military, and aerospace sectors. A proven executive and human systems engineer, Rick shapes S2RC’s strategic vision, fosters leadership and team building, and drives innovation and growth.

In addition to his role at S2RC, Rick continues to serve as an Air Force Special Warfare Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC). He has also held leadership roles as Vice President of Strategic Planning at Black Diamond Advanced Technology and Director of Business Development at Pison Technologies. Beyond these responsibilities, Rick sits on the boards of several startups, providing strategic guidance and leveraging his extensive operational experience.

Rick holds a Master of Science in Human Systems Engineering from Arizona State University, a BA in Psychology from American Military University, and an associate degree in information technology from the Community College of the Air Force. He maintains a TS/SCI Clearance, FAA Part 107 License, SAFe Agilist Certification, and is a native Spanish speaker. Reflecting his passion for service and community impact, Rick supports veterans’ and children’s charities.