Technology for Enhanced Command and Control of Small Robotics Assets (TECRA)

This proposal from Perceptronics Solutions, Inc. and the George Mason University (GMU) Arch Lab is for a Phase II continuation of their SBIR Phase I project to develop Technology for Enhanced Command and Control of Small Robotics Assets (TECRA). The challenge addressed in this SBIR project is to create a command and control infrastructure that allows more effective operation of small robots as a valuable new class of tactical assets. Of particular interest are small unmanned aircraft vehicles (SUAV). Our response to this challenge is to create a new C2 infrastructure that uses adaptive display technology to enhance the shared situation awareness between the Commander and the Robot Operator, to enhance Commander-Operator communication, and to reduce Commander workload. Our Phase I proof-of-concept demonstrated the technical feasibility and user acceptability through technical validation and strong endorsement by the US Army Raven Program Office and also projected a 50% decrease in the Commander’s total task time using a GOMS analysis. Our primary objective in Phase II will be to develop, implement and demonstrate TECRA products that can be used near term in the Raven SUAV program and longer term in broad variety of other air and ground small robot applications.