Standardizing Control Unit/Robotic Vehicle Controls and Interfaces

The DOD operates logistics, defensive, and assault operations in the most hazardous environment constructed by man, namely the modern battlefield. In the 21st Century, the battlefield environment will become so deadly that any exposure of personnel will have high lethality. Applying battlefield robotics will enhance personnel safety and will Aid force multiplication. However, "man-in-the-loop" control systems are a prerequisite in the unstructured battlefield environment. We Suggest standardized vehicle retrofit kits which incorporate manual override because many of the vehicle systems currently in use have automated counterparts which will still be used in manually operated modes. And finally, standardization and simplification of operator controls will be required since insertion of the technology should involve minimal training and specialization. In the proposed effort we will review current technology options and will produce a System Concept Document (SCD) describing the requirements and preliminary design for a family of standardized kit components for Marine vehicle teleremote retrofit. Because this effort is synergistic with a number of similar activities already underway, we expect to be able to prototype selected kit subsystems for a Phase I demonstration.