Unmanned Aerial System Operator Selection Tools

This proposal is to develop new Operator Selection Tools for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). Our goal is to enhance the effectiveness of UAS operator selection by adding to the conventional methodology of selection tests new measures for the new skills and aptitudes associated with the control of intelligent, semi-autonomous robotic systems. Taking this need into account, we have oriented our proposed SBIR project toward the critical aspects of future UAG operations that are inadequately covered in current selection systems. These concern the ability of the operator to work within the two required types of UAS teams, namely: (1) Mixed-Initiative Teams (the operator and single or multiple semi-autonomous UASs). The key mixed-initiative team skill factors will include supervisory control capability and accurate trust in automation; (2) Inter-Personal Teams (the operator, the commander, the mission controller, etc). The optimal formation and functioning of such inter-personal teams will be of critical importance to successful UAS operations. In other words, both near-term and long-term UAS operating requirements will change dramatically as UV technology evolves, and the UAS operator and crew courses will have to change accordingly. As a result, new selection criteria must be added to current criteria to accommodate these changes.