SYNC: System for Networked Collaboration

Although emerging technologies are enabling unsurpassed connectivity between battlefield units, coordinating and synchronizing efforts is still one of the most challenging aspects of warfare. This challenge is amplified by the different procedures, customs, and terminology used by each of the different services, and by the need to coordinate multiple types of unmanned battlefield entities. Technology that capitalizes on the increased connectivity and provides individual decision-makers with both shared situation awareness and cognitive decision aids would facilitate both planned synchronization and self-synchronization of forces. Soar Technology proposes to develop cooperative multi-agent teams that leverage an understanding of planning and execution requirements to (1) execute routine actions, (2) inform the user when new critical information is available, and (3) monitor ongoing plans to ensure that they are proceeding according to the commander's intent. In particular, these agents will facilitate the effective synchronization of manned and unmanned ground and aerial forces.