SBIR-STTR Award

The objective of this proposal is to demonstrate the feasibility and utility of developing composable models and behaviors for entities within a simulated environment, specifically in the area of unmanned systems. Computer Generated Forces (CGF) and Semi-Automated Forces (SAF) have long been used by the military as training aids. New developments in the last few years have seen the use of these systems as control mechanisms for unmanned systems While they are currently used by all of the armed forces, the systems are extremely labor-intensive to develop. The ability to use simulation systems to generate mission configurations at a high level for CGF's and unmanned vehicles by experienced military personnel who are not programmers is a key ability that will allow the successful use and deployment of advanced robotic control systems. The principals at TSA have in the past developed commercial unmanned systems. The control mechanisms have always been specialized for the individual product. The development of dynamic composable behaviors, combined with our Operator Control Unit, will enable the development of a single interface capable of controlling multiple unmanned systems. Thus streamlining the development process for new unmanned systems. The tools researched for the layered architecture could be developed into commercial products for use by other government agencies and other industries such as home robotics and entertainment

The objectives of the BRAIN project are to provide an environment where a high-level user such as soldier in the field can create new behaviors if needed, use behaviors to build a mission, and test the mission in a simulated environment. To create this environment four tasks must be completed. A new unit level intelligent agent must be designed and implemented to act as an interface between the robots and the operator and also assist the operator in effectively controlling multiple robots. The intelligent agents already implemented in Java Agent Development Environment (JADE) must be enhanced with Java Expert System Shell (JESS). The robot behavior editor currently used must be ported to OTB 2.0 and enhanced. Finally, the robotic control environment must be tested with high-level users.

Keywords:
UNMANNED VEHICLE ROBOT BEHAVIOR INTELLIGENT AGENTS SIMULATION JAUS