Removing the bottleneck: utilizing autonomy to manage multiple UAS sensors from inside a cockpit

Thomas J. Alicia; Grant S. Taylor; Terry S. Turpin; Amit Surana

doi:10.1117/12.2303915

3 May 2018 Removing the bottleneck: utilizing autonomy to manage multiple UAS sensors from inside a cockpit

Thomas J. Alicia, Grant S. Taylor, Terry S. Turpin, Amit Surana

Proceedings Volume 10640, Unmanned Systems Technology XX; 106400L (2018) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2303915
Event: SPIE Defense + Security, 2018, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

The U.S. Army Aviation Development Directorate, in collaboration with United Technologies Research Center and University of California: Santa Barbara, has developed a system for controlling multiple unmanned aerial systems (UAS) from a manned helicopter cockpit. Similar manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) capabilities have been successfully fielded in the AH-64E attack helicopter, with the Copilot/Gunner (CPG) managing one UAS; however, managing multiple UAS in the same manner would result in a cognitive processing bottleneck within the CPG. Removing this bottleneck requires implementation of autonomous behaviors and human-centered design principles to avoid detracting from the CPG’s primary mission. This research evaluates these concepts with respect to multi-UAS MUM-T performance. Sixteen U.S. Army aviators with MUM-T experience participated in the experiment. The first phase assessed the performance of a CPG managing multiple UAS simultaneously in a fixed-base MUM-T simulator featuring touchscreen displays, simulated aided target recognition, and task-level delegation of control (DelCon). The second phase iteratively improved the DelCon capability and added an Attention Allocation Aid (AAA) in the form of real-time gaze tracking feedback. The research demonstrated that a single crewmember can manage at least three UAS assets while executing complex multi- UAS MUM-T tactical missions. The DelCon capability allowed participants to more efficiently perform a subset of mission tasks. Furthermore, subjective ratings from the participants indicated a willingness to accept the AAA and DelCon systems. Overall, this research demonstrates the potential of utilizing automation and human-centered design principles to overcome cognitive bottlenecks and achieve greater system efficiency.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

Thomas J. Alicia, Grant S. Taylor, Terry S. Turpin, and Amit Surana "Removing the bottleneck: utilizing autonomy to manage multiple UAS sensors from inside a cockpit", Proc. SPIE 10640, Unmanned Systems Technology XX, 106400L (3 May 2018); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2303915

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