Teleoperation and Unmanned Systems/Robic Enhancements

The goal of this proposed multiphase SBIR program is to build and demonstrate Multiple Vehicle Cooperative Control Subsystem (MVCCS) for autonomous, optimal positioning of several Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGVs) working together. By facilitating the ability of UGVs to share information and adaptively optimize their relative positions based on specific goals, the MVCCS can act as a significant force multiplier for a wide variety of missions. Mission goals which can benefit from such a capability include things like communications link optimization and relay for extended range, cooperative path finding, interactive target recognition and position location, cooperative EW (e.g. jamming or spoofing), and cooperative reconnaisance. Overall UGV mission reliability should also be greater improved by the ability to autonomously and mutually adapt to changing mission situations such as enemy movements, jamming or spoofing. Phase I will establish the requirements and architecture of the MVCCS as well as implement an interactive simulation for demonstration, evaluation and concept validation. Phase II will result in a fully capable prototype of the MVCCS targeted for a Vetronics implementation using existing UGV processors and communications networking capabilities to the maximum extent possible.