Cooperative Interface Agents for Networked Command, Control, and Communications: Phase II

Report developed under a Small Business Innovation Research Program 2000.2 contract for topic A02-024. This Phase II research advanced the Phase I approach to enable improved human-system interaction of mixed human and robotic elements for a company-sized unit. The research reported here explored the utility of intelligent user interfaces for command and control tasks. A system prototype was developed using a virtual simulation environment, Soar-based intelligent agents, and a standards-based communications infrastructure. The prototype was evaluated by active duty Army officers using think aloud and situational awareness protocols conducted during a simulated urban mission. Results from the evaluation indicate that cooperative interface agents may be a practical technique for reducing command and control complexity, especially when manned and unmanned forces are integrated. Although this technique was demonstrated in a relatively simple simulation environment, further research is warranted to assess scalability and usability when applied to more knowledge-rich, real-world environments.