  This discussion paper aims to support the argument process for the need to
develop a comprehensive science of resilient robotic autonomy. Resilience and
its key characteristics relating to robustness, redundancy, and resourcefulness
are discussed, followed by a selected - but not exhaustive - list of research
themes and domains that are crucial to facilitate resilient autonomy. Last but
not least, an outline of possible directions of a new and enhanced design
paradigm in robotics is presented. This manuscript is intentionally short and
abstract. It serves to open the discussion and raise questions. The answers
will necessarily be found in the actual process of conducting research by the
community and in the framework of introducing robotics in an ever increasing
set of real-life use cases. Its current form is based on thoughts identified
within the ongoing experience of conducting research for robotic systems to
gain autonomy in certain types of extreme environments such as subterranean
settings, nuclear facilities, agriculture areas, and long-term off-road
deployments. The very context of this document will be subject to change and it
will be iteratively revisited.
