Predictive Model for Human-Unmanned Vehicle Systems

Abstract

Advances in automation are making it possible for a single operator to control multiple unmanned vehicles. However, the complex nature of these teams presents a difficult and exciting challenge for designers of human–unmanned vehicle systems. To build such systems effectively, models must be developed that describe the behavior of the human–unmanned vehicle team and that predict how alterations in team composition and system design will affect the system’s overall performance. In this paper, we present a method for modeling human–unmanned vehicle systems consisting of a single operator and multiple independent unmanned vehicles. Via a case study, we demonstrate that the resulting models provide an accurate description of observed human-unmanned vehicle systems. Additionally, we demonstrate that the models can be used to predict how changes in the human-unmanned vehicle interface and the unmanned vehicles’ autonomy alter the system’s performance.