Collaborative Engagement with Unmanned Systems

Procerus Technologies and Renaissance Sciences Corporation propose an agent-based, collaborative control method for heterogeneous platoons of two or more unmanned systems (UMS). The hierarchical control system will enable platoons to autonomously operate for extended time periods and collaboratively engage designated targets. The system hierarchy includes subsystems for tasks with increasing complexity: local automatic control of individual UMS; decentralized and cooperative control for forming loose or tight platoons; path planning and trajectory tracking for the platoon; obstacle avoidance; and mixed initiative planning. After designating a potential target and selects a platoon, the human operator can support the control system with mixed-initiative planning. The developed algorithms will be implemented and demonstrated with a software simulation with two or more of Procerus proven Kestrel autopilots and a ground station in the loop. The demonstrated mission thread consists of acquisition and geo-location of a target designated and verified by a user, transmission of a spot call for fire message to an effects node, and tasking of an available asset to deliver required effects on target and follow-on battle damage assessment.