Rapid Design & Development of Behaviors for Autonomous Vehicles

Bluefin Robotics proposes (in Phase I) to create a methodology for developing the Bluefin Agent Behavior Language (BABL) and associated tools. BABL will enable the rapid design and development of behaviors for autonomous vehicles. Key features of BABL arethat it:1) Makes a minimal set of assumptions about the capabilities and assumptions of the target UVs.2) Maintains generality without losing the ability to exploit the advanced capabilities of any given agent.3) Presents a clean interface that allows the user to think about behavior and mission composition in a natural manner.Two core elements of BABL are that it stacks layers of behaviors that operate in sequence or in parallel, and it enables users to formulate implementation-independent statements of goals and directions.In phase I we will review prior agent behavior languages, tools, and architectures; develop generic use-case scenarios; develop and document the design methodology; and specify the language and toolset. 1) Creation of a standard, general agent behaviorlanguage for use with unmanned vehicles in all military branches2) Enabling rapid development of complex behaviors and missions for heterogeneous unmanned platforms.3) Strengthen synergies between DOD, commercial, and academic unmanned vehicle programs, easing technology transition between these three sectors.4) Creation of standard for commercial agent behavior programming and tools for the unmanned systems industry.