Operator-autonomy teaming interfaces to support multi-unmanned vehicle missions

Abstract

Advances in automation technology are leading to the development of operational concepts in which a single operator teams with multiple autonomous vehicles. This requires the design and evaluation of interfaces that support operator-autonomy collaborations. This paper describes interfaces designed to support a base defense mission performed by a human operator and heterogeneous unmanned vehicles. Flexible operator-autonomy teamwork is facilitated with interfaces that highlight the tradeoffs of autonomy-generated plans, support allocation of assets to tasks, and communicate mission progress. The interfaces include glyphs and video gaming type icons that present information in a concise, integrated manner and multi-modal controls that augment an adaptable architecture to enable seamless transition across control levels, from manual to fully autonomous. Examples of prototype displays and controls are provided, as well as usability data collected from multi-task simulation evaluations.