Multiagent Adjustable Autonomy Framework (MAAF) for Robot-Human Teams Performing Specialized Tactical Maneuvers

This proposal from Perceptronics Solutions, the USC Computer Science Department’s TEAMCORE Group and SAIC’s Integrated Mission & Simulation Systems (IMSS) is for Phase II continuation of their SBIR Phase I project for an Multiagent Adjustable Autonomy Framework (MAAF) for multi-robot, multi-human teams performing specialized tactical maneuvers. The challenge addressed in this SBIR project is how to exploit fully the unique capabilities of heterogeneous teams composed of a mixture of Robots, Agents or Persons (RAPs); that is, how to improve the safety, efficiency, reliability and cost of achieving mission goals while maintaining dynamic adaptation to the unique limitations and contingencies of a real-world operating environment. Our response to this challenge is to create a new infrastructure that will facilitate cooperative and collaborative performance of human and robots as equal team partners through the application of advances in goal-oriented, multiagent planning and coordination technology. At the heart of our approach is the USC TEAMCORE Group’s Machinetta, a state-of-the-art robot proxy framework with adjustable autonomy (Schurr et al 2005). Machinetta facilitates robot-human role allocation decisions and collaborative sharing of team tasks in the non-deterministic and unpredictable military environment through the use of a domain-independent teamwork model that supports flexible teamwork.