SBIR-STTR Award

Drawing from existing COTS/MOTS systems, we propose to develop a broad tool kit of undersea, in-air, and satellite communications systems that are tailored to the unique capabilities and constraints of the autonomous, mobile, and persistent Wave Glider wave-propelled unmanned surface vehicle (USV). These systems will enable the Wave Glider platform to serve as a communications/navitation network node (CN3) and to direct address a variety of military missions, including MCM, ASW, ISR, maritime security, maritime interdiction, and SOF/IW support.

Keywords:
Communications Gateway, Communications Gateway, Communications/Navigation Network Nodes, Wave-Power, Cn3, Wave Glider, Underwater Communications Systems

The primary objective of our proposed Phase II effort is to develop a centralized multi-vehicle coordinated autonomy framework for the control of large numbers (10?s to 100?s) of SHARC (or other) unmanned surface vehicles to enable execution of several military, commercial, and science missions that otherwise could not be conducted using conventional tools for operational oversight, monitoring, and command and control at the level of individual vehicles. We are also focused on reducing the cognitive load on vehicle operators as an intended, and much needed, consequence of our proposed development efforts. Our Phase II efforts will result in the creation, validation, demonstration, and delivery of:

Keywords:
Coordinated Autonomy, Coordinated Autonomy, Sharc Usv, Multi-Vehicle Autonomy, Cooperative Autonomy