Intent-Based UAV Mission Management Using an Adaptive Mixed-Initiative Operator Assistant System
Nikolaus Theißing, Axel Schulte · 2013
In this article a novel approach towards managing unmanned aerial vehicle missions based on the human operator’s intent is introduced. The system architecture comprises two artificial cognitive agents, one conducting semi-autonomous mission execution aboard the vehicle and the other providing assistance to the operator. The assistant system supports the operator in expressing his intent to the technical system by adapting to his mental state and cognitive processes. To enable the assistant system to gain insight into the operator’s state of mind we created a model of his tasks, knowledge, and cognitive processes while managing the mission. Based on this model the assistant system infers the operator’s cognitive state and interacts adaptively. With that, human error is minimized and the operator’s mission management process is improved regarding workload and mission success. The overall system has been used to conduct a successful campaign of preliminary human-machine and real-flight UAV experiments.