Intelligent bots for MOUT
Shang Ping Ting · 2011
Military Operations on Urban Terrain (MOUT) are defined as military actions that are planned and conducted on a terrain where man-made construction affects the tactical options available to the commander.This type of conflicts is characterized by streetby-street, room-by-room fighting.Strategies employed in MOUT differ immensely from fighting on other types of terrain, such as large deserts or jungles.The importance of MOUT warfare is increasing due to rapid world-wide urbanisation.The limitation of urban terrains means that soldiers are expected to function in small teams without the support of air-power or tanks.To survive, soldiers rely on small squad tactics and individual situational awareness.Modern armies may suffer substantial casualties in MOUT warfare.Going into MOUT operations without proper preparation could be very dangerous to the soldiers.Extensive training conducted with computer simulations may be able to reduce casualties in MOUT warfare.Simulations can introduce the trainees to the combat stress and shorten response time during actual combat.Although there had been considerable efforts and capital invested into this area, there are still many challenges facing existing simulation systems.One of the key challenges lies in the lack of realistic human behaviours.Human-like realism can improve the training relevance of MOUT simulations and allow the trainees to gain significant operational benefits.Human characters are represented by bots during MOUT simulations.It is important to develop intelligent bots in order to generate human-like behaviours.i Without his constant support and patience, it will have been impossible for this experience to be so enriching and fulfilling.I wish to thank everyone in the ModelSim of DSTA.It is a privilege to work with all of them.Nothing is more delightful than working with people who share the same passion in military simulations.I especially need to thank Dr How Khee Yin, Low Kok Seng and Daryl Lee Chin Siong for sharing their valuable insights and knowledge on MOUT simulations.I would like to thank my parents, my wife for their understanding and support.Although there had been times when I had to give up my family time for my research, they never had any complaints and were constantly encouraging to go ahead with my work.