Studies of manned-unmanned teaming using cognitive systems engineering: An interim report
Publish date: 2005-01-01
Report number: FOI-R--1874--SE
Pages: 20
Written in: English
Abstract
There is currently an increased interest in using unmanned robotic systems for tactical applications where manned and unmanned systems operate together as a team. Unmanned robotic systems may for example provide critical information while the manned systems remain in cover or outside of lethal range. Since it can be difficult to elicit user requirements for unmanned robotic systems, especially for tactical applications, a strategic research project was established at FOI to explore how a Cognitive Systems Engineering (CSE) methodology can be applied to manned-unmanned teaming. CSE focuses on the joint performance of manned and unmanned systems based on an analysis of application, decision, information, and coordination requirements for control of partly autonomous systems. The report summarises the results from the project´s first year regarding principles of human-robot coordination, the role of critical thinking for control of UMVs, UGV for MOUT scenarios, UCAV for SEAD and general strike missions, and tactical UAVs, UUVs, and USVs. Applying a CSE methodology has even at this preliminary stage helped to identify complexities of manned-unmanned teaming both from the operator´s perspective of human-robot coordination, as well as secondary effects on team-mates and leaders. The applications that currently are of most interest to the Swedish Armed Forces are UGV for MOUT scenarios and UCAV for strike missions. These applications will therefore be investigated in more detail using cognitive task analysis (CTA) and conventional experiments in simulator environments.