ALOA - Adaptive Levels of Automation for UAV Supervisory Control

Contract Number: FA8650-05-C-6547

Proposal Title: Adaptive Levels of Automation for UAV Supervisory Control

Abstract:

OR Concepts Applied has designed and implemented a human factors test bed to evaluate adaptive autonomy schemes
and a range of levels of autonomy for UAV supervisory control. The test bed includes a high fidelity simulation that
interfaces with a mission control element (MCE) that supports multi-vehicle control. The MCE uses OPUS mission
planning tools to provide the operator with optimization and analysis decision aids. SA Technologies, Inc. was
instrumental in helping to create user interface elements to help maintain high levels of situation awareness even when
the level of automation is increased. The test bed provides a variety of tools for researchers to create scenarios, alter
adaptive schemas, and collect experimental data.

This work has been the focus of a Phase I and a Phase II Small Business Innovation Research contracts. In 2009, additional efforts have begun to enhance the test bed with special attention being directed at making it easier for researchers to set up experiments. Also note that the UAV Commander game is a spin off from this more serious research effort.