Roadmapping the Human Machine Interface between Autonomous Systems and Special Forces Operators
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Abstract
United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) projects that autonomous systems will play a critical role in future conflicts. As such, it is imperative that the human-machine interface (HMI) be optimized such that the autonomous systems can provide the most benefit to USSOCOM operators. Currently, the HMI simply passes commands from the operator to the autonomous system and sends data from the autonomous system back to the operator. However, the HMI can provide numerous other capabilities. For example, it can convert natural language from the operator and translate it into robotic commands to the autonomous system. Meanwhile, it can fuse and analyze data, providing the operator with actionable intelligence. This study performed an in-depth stakeholder analysis to determine what functions are necessary for the optimal HMI. It then used value modeling coupled with market research and combat modeling to develop a technology roadmap to project the evolution of the HMI.