Unmanned Tactical Autonomous Control and Collaboration (UTAC) immediate actions

Abstract

Unmanned tactical autonomous control and collaboration (UTACC) is a Marine Corps research enterprise to cultivate a system of systems (SoS) that works alongside other human team members. UTACC is being specifically designed to reduce cognitive demand on the warfighter. It will accomplish this by working with the Marines instead of working for them. The two aims of this thesis are to (1) analyze interdependence requirements, utilizing coactive design, of a Fire Team with UTACC UxS in an immediate action drill; and (2) create a suggested list of design and implementation requirements for the UTACC SoS with specific focus on situations involving immediate actions. Resilience in this instance is incorporated by designing flexibility into the system. Interdependent relationships, described as observability, predictability, and directability, develop teamwork and provide this flexibility for the overall system. Advancements within the robotics industry have traditionally focused on autonomy so that the machine can accomplish tasks independent of others. The focus of coactive design is the creating and managing of the interdependent relationships rather than relying on the machine carrying out independent tasks autonomously. Additionally, utilization of the coactive design process provides a means of determining cost-effective development areas that will direct the way forward in developing a system that accomplishes immediate action drills for contact with the enemy.