VALIDATION AND VERIFICATION INSTRUMENT FOR AUTONOMOUS MULTI-AGENT SYSTEMS IN OUTDOOR CONTESTED ENVIRONMENTS

Abstract

The aim of this DURIP proposal is to develop an instrument for the investigation, characterization, validation, and verification of heterogeneous networks of multi-agent autonomous systems operating in contested environments. In adversarial environments, the ability to communicate is essential for operational tactics; hence, dominance of the available communication spectrum is essential. A distinguishing feature of this instrument is the inclusion of unique software-defined radios (SDRs) that facilitate spectrum access strategies for autonomous mobile radio network collaboration in an outdoor environment with a contested RF spectrum. This feature is inspired by the recent DARPA Spectrum Collaboration Challenge (SC2), which included a sophisticated channel emulator for stationary radios. This instrument expands our capabilities that resulted in a first-place finish in the SC2 competition, to enable spectrum competition in a dynamic environment with SDRs on mobile autonomous agents. Specifically, the instrument includes eleven SDRs embedded within unmanned air and ground vehicles operating in an outdoor environment enclosed within a large volume netted safety structure. Acquiring this instrument will augment an on-going AFOSR Center of Excellence focused on assured autonomy in contested environments, as well as a number of other current and pending DoD projects. Specifically, this system will enable hardware-based insights and validation of on-going theoretical objectives of current projects and will provide a long-term instrument for future advanced concepts that involve wireless communication networks of autonomous assets.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Mar 07, 2023
Source ID
FA95502110157

Entities

People

  • Warren E Dixon

Organizations

  • Air Force Office of Scientific Research
  • United States Air Force
  • University of Florida

Tags

Readers

  • Aerospace Test and Evaluation
  • Research Science/Academic Research
  • Tactical Satellite Communications Systems Engineering.

Technology Areas

  • Autonomy
  • Autonomy - Autonomous System Control
  • Autonomy - UAVs