Adaptive Interface Management System (AIMS) for Network-Centric Supervisory Control of Multiple Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV)

ABSTRACT: This proposal is for the Phase II continuation of research and development for an Adaptive Interface Management System (AIMS) for Netcentric Supervisory Control of Multiple Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. Our Phase II proposal is based on a full understanding of the problem to be solved and a solid record of achievement in Phase I. The AIMS program goal is to provide a new suite of intelligent agents, decision aids, and task-oriented job performance aids that will enhance the performance of the multi-UAV operator by leveraging his capabilities while reducing workload. Specifically, AIMS will be a multi-agent system software system with a set of intelligent services that supports a multi-UAV operator in his interaction with multiple UAVs -- and makes is possible for him to do his job much more effectively. By providing the AIMS capabilities, we will realize enhanced efficiency in mission planning, allocation of mission responsibilities to resources, and continuous UAV decision and control tasks during mission execution. Our comprehensive Phase II Work Plan provides for: design and implementation of a complete AIMS suite of tools; evaluation in both laboratory and VCSC environments; GIG integration; and creation of a strategy for transition and commercialization of the AIMS products. BENEFIT: AIMS technology will find application in a host of military and civilian activities where multiple UAV operations are enablers of mission success and skilled operators are in short supply. Unmanned aircraft provide means for their operating organizations to expand their situational awareness, to extend their communications reach, and to broaden their ability to project power beyond their organic human-limited capabilities. These capabilities support a wide range of military activities both in the battlespace and as assistance to the civilian world. AIMS technology amplifies the supervisory control capacity of the limited cadre of qualified military UAV operators so that they can exercise these capabilities worldwide and over extended periods of time as the mission may require. Budgets for unmanned aerial systems (UAS) continue to rise. But despite billions of dollars invested significant problems still exist in command and control, staffing and interoperability. Consequently, the services have established as goals the development and integration of precisely the kind of capabilities we are proposing based on GAO reports and DoD internal analyses. What this means is that the environment for the present R & D results is being clarified, standardized, and consolidated, allowing us to focus our resources on a single product targeting a small number of very lucrative opportunities.