Effectiveness of Human-Autonomy Teams in UAV Operations

NPS NRP Executive SummaryOptimal effectiveness in human-autonomy teams can only be achieved by understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the human and autonomous team members. In an ever-evolving technological landscape this becomes an increasingly complex task. As unmanned vehicles (UxV) and autonomy evolves, the ratio of humans to unmanned vehicles will decrease, so that only one human is needed for multiple UxVs. It is important to understand how many UxVs one human can support, and when does exception handling become overwhelming for the human. One important question then is how many UxVs one person can handle successfully. This question requires several other questions to be considered, such as how much human involvement is needed under normal and exceptional circumstances; and how much cognitive load is added per UxV during normal execution and during exception handling. As technology progresses, the exception handling will be resolved by both the human and supervisory autonomy. When more autonomy is introduced to aid human performance, it requires an understanding of the human-machine dynamic that would lead to the most effective team. The current proposal aims to build on understanding the variables that are important in creating an optimal team in the near future when autonomy becomes less of a tool and more of an active teammate. The proposed research seeks to observe and provide analyses on studies aimed at identifying targeted variables that affect the effectiveness of a human-autonomy team. While the variables that make an effective team are numerous, the focus on this research will be on operator experience and trust in UxV operation with and without a supervisory autonomy agent. Operators in the studies will have different levels of operator experience, with novices being those that just finished training, to experts who have 5+ years of experience. Additionally, observation will include that of operators in various adversarial conditions with and without a supervisory agent. The deliverables will be information furthering the understanding of the dynamics that are important in creating an effective human-autonomy team in multi-UxV support.Naval Special Warfare Command (NAVSPECWARCOM)N7 - Warfighting DevelopmentThis research is supported by funding from the Naval Postgraduate School, Naval Research Program (PE 0605853N/2098). https://nps.edu/nrpChief of Naval Operations (CNO)Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

Effectiveness of Human-Autonomy Teams in UAV Operations

NPS NRP Project PosterOptimal effectiveness in human-autonomy teams can only be achieved by understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the human and autonomous team members. In an ever-evolving technological landscape this becomes an increasingly complex task. As unmanned vehicles (UxV) and autonomy evolves, the ratio of humans to unmanned vehicles will decrease, so that only one human is needed for multiple UxVs. It is important to understand how many UxVs one human can support, and when does exception handling become overwhelming for the human. One important question then is how many UxVs one person can handle successfully. This question requires several other questions to be considered, such as how much human involvement is needed under normal and exceptional circumstances; and how much cognitive load is added per UxV during normal execution and during exception handling. As technology progresses, the exception handling will be resolved by both the human and supervisory autonomy. When more autonomy is introduced to aid human performance, it requires an understanding of the human-machine dynamic that would lead to the most effective team. The current proposal aims to build on understanding the variables that are important in creating an optimal team in the near future when autonomy becomes less of a tool and more of an active teammate. The proposed research seeks to observe and provide analyses on studies aimed at identifying targeted variables that affect the effectiveness of a human-autonomy team. While the variables that make an effective team are numerous, the focus on this research will be on operator experience and trust in UxV operation with and without a supervisory autonomy agent. Operators in the studies will have different levels of operator experience, with novices being those that just finished training, to experts who have 5+ years of experience. Additionally, observation will include that of operators in various adversarial conditions with and without a supervisory agent. The deliverables will be information furthering the understanding of the dynamics that are important in creating an effective human-autonomy team in multi-UxV support.Naval Special Warfare Command (NAVSPECWARCOM)N7 - Warfighting DevelopmentThis research is supported by funding from the Naval Postgraduate School, Naval Research Program (PE 0605853N/2098). https://nps.edu/nrpChief of Naval Operations (CNO)Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

MQ-25A Manned/Unmanned Teaming

NPS NRP Project PosterManned aircraft coordinate with tankers locally through voice, hand signals and lighting. MQ-25A coordination is through a remote operator, typically through beyond line of sight communications. Degradation or loss of that communications link would inhibit refueling capability. Human machine teaming may be a key enabler for increased reliability and resilience in the unmanned tanking mission. Further, advanced human machine teaming capability may enable force multiplier missions, increasing war fighting capabilities of the carrier air wing. Co-Active Design and interdependence analysis are two proven methods for identifying human machine teaming requirements that enable resilience, reliability, and identify potential pitfalls. This year's research effort focuses on enhancing mission capabilities by exploring two key areas: enhanced ISR capabilities, and operations in non-permissive communications and position, navigation, and timing environments.ASN(RDA) - Research, Development, and AcquisitionThis research is supported by funding from the Naval Postgraduate School, Naval Research Program (PE 0605853N/2098). https://nps.edu/nrpChief of Naval Operations (CNO)Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

MQ-25A Manned/Unmanned Teaming

NPS NRP Executive SummaryManned aircraft coordinate with tankers locally through voice, hand signals and lighting. MQ-25A coordination is through a remote operator, typically through beyond line of sight communications. Degradation or loss of that communications link would inhibit refueling capability. Human machine teaming may be a key enabler for increased reliability and resilience in the unmanned tanking mission. Further, advanced human machine teaming capability may enable force multiplier missions, increasing war fighting capabilities of the carrier air wing. Co-Active Design and interdependence analysis are two proven methods for identifying human machine teaming requirements that enable resilience, reliability, and identify potential pitfalls. This year's research effort focuses on enhancing mission capabilities by exploring two key areas: enhanced ISR capabilities, and operations in non-permissive communications and position, navigation, and timing environments.ASN(RDA) - Research, Development, and AcquisitionThis research is supported by funding from the Naval Postgraduate School, Naval Research Program (PE 0605853N/2098). https://nps.edu/nrpChief of Naval Operations (CNO)Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

Identity Dynamics, Needs, and Social Influences on Human Effects of Flashbang Grenades

NPS NRP Executive SummaryThe primary objective of this project is to investigate the psychological, physiological, and social effects of the use of flashbang grenades (FBG) for non-lethal crowd control and other non-lethal purposes and to develop a conceptual model that includes such effects.This work will draw on existing literature as well as the WRENCH conceptual models, and the project will include an assessment of what would be required to incorporate the new model into the existing WRENCH Simulator. FBG has not been studied with identity, social and PMESII variables. Such variables can alter the reactions of individuals and crowds.These need to be researched in order to advise on the circumstances in which FBG should be used to achieve the intended result, crowd dispersal for example. We theorize that inclusion of psychological, social and needs factors in the modeling of human effects will impact the behaviors of an individual in response to the deployment of FBGs. Understanding the influence of these factors is essential to more accurate modeling of human effects of this non-lethal weapon. The project will involve the completion of three tasks: Literature Review; Conceptual Model Development; and Comparison of Models and Recommendations. First, a literature review on any physiological and psychological effects will delineate first and second-order effects of the use of FBGs. Second, the project will develop a new conceptual model that integrates these effects with relevant aspects of the WRENCH conceptual models. Third, we will determine what aspects of the new model can be incorporated into the WRENCH Simulator and the required amount of work for this. Recommendations will then be made. The project will yield three reports: 1) literature review on the surprise effects of the first and second order; 2) documentation of the new conceptual FBG Effects Model and 3) a report comparing the new Model and the WRENCH Simulator with recommendations for further development.Joint Intermediate Force Capabilities Office (JIFCO)HQMC Plans, Policies & Operations (PP&O)This research is supported by funding from the Naval Postgraduate School, Naval Research Program (PE 0605853N/2098). https://nps.edu/nrpChief of Naval Operations (CNO)Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

Identity Dynamics, Needs, and Social Influences on Human Effects of Flashbang Grenades

NPS NRP Technical ReportThe primary objective of this project is to investigate the psychological, physiological, and social effects of the use of flashbang grenades (FBG) for non-lethal crowd control and other non-lethal purposes and to develop a conceptual model that includes such effects.This work will draw on existing literature as well as the WRENCH conceptual models, and the project will include an assessment of what would be required to incorporate the new model into the existing WRENCH Simulator. FBG has not been studied with identity, social and PMESII variables. Such variables can alter the reactions of individuals and crowds.These need to be researched in order to advise on the circumstances in which FBG should be used to achieve the intended result, crowd dispersal for example. We theorize that inclusion of psychological, social and needs factors in the modeling of human effects will impact the behaviors of an individual in response to the deployment of FBGs. Understanding the influence of these factors is essential to more accurate modeling of human effects of this non-lethal weapon. The project will involve the completion of three tasks: Literature Review; Conceptual Model Development; and Comparison of Models and Recommendations. First, a literature review on any physiological and psychological effects will delineate first and second-order effects of the use of FBGs. Second, the project will develop a new conceptual model that integrates these effects with relevant aspects of the WRENCH conceptual models. Third, we will determine what aspects of the new model can be incorporated into the WRENCH Simulator and the required amount of work for this. Recommendations will then be made. The project will yield three reports: 1) literature review on the surprise effects of the first and second order; 2) documentation of the new conceptual FBG Effects Model and 3) a report comparing the new Model and the WRENCH Simulator with recommendations for further development.Joint Intermediate Force Capabilities Office (JIFCO)HQMC Plans, Policies & Operations (PP&O)This research is supported by funding from the Naval Postgraduate School, Naval Research Program (PE 0605853N/2098). https://nps.edu/nrpChief of Naval Operations (CNO)Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

Identity Dynamics, Needs, and Social Influences on Human Effects of Flashbang Grenades

NPS NRP Project PosterThe primary objective of this project is to investigate the psychological, physiological, and social effects of the use of flashbang grenades (FBG) for non-lethal crowd control and other non-lethal purposes and to develop a conceptual model that includes such effects.This work will draw on existing literature as well as the WRENCH conceptual models, and the project will include an assessment of what would be required to incorporate the new model into the existing WRENCH Simulator. FBG has not been studied with identity, social and PMESII variables. Such variables can alter the reactions of individuals and crowds.These need to be researched in order to advise on the circumstances in which FBG should be used to achieve the intended result, crowd dispersal for example. We theorize that inclusion of psychological, social and needs factors in the modeling of human effects will impact the behaviors of an individual in response to the deployment of FBGs. Understanding the influence of these factors is essential to more accurate modeling of human effects of this non-lethal weapon. The project will involve the completion of three tasks: Literature Review; Conceptual Model Development; and Comparison of Models and Recommendations. First, a literature review on any physiological and psychological effects will delineate first and second-order effects of the use of FBGs. Second, the project will develop a new conceptual model that integrates these effects with relevant aspects of the WRENCH conceptual models. Third, we will determine what aspects of the new model can be incorporated into the WRENCH Simulator and the required amount of work for this. Recommendations will then be made. The project will yield three reports: 1) literature review on the surprise effects of the first and second order; 2) documentation of the new conceptual FBG Effects Model and 3) a report comparing the new Model and the WRENCH Simulator with recommendations for further development.Joint Intermediate Force Capabilities Office (JIFCO)HQMC Plans, Policies & Operations (PP&O)This research is supported by funding from the Naval Postgraduate School, Naval Research Program (PE 0605853N/2098). https://nps.edu/nrpChief of Naval Operations (CNO)Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

A Technical Roadmap for Autonomy for Marine Future Vertical Lift (FVL)

NPS NRP Executive SummaryThe Marines desire to leverage automation in their next Future Vertical Lift (FVL) platform, meaning they must define the human-FVL teaming interactions. The FVL will operate in a wide spectrum of flight regimes, from remotely piloted, to fully manned, to mostly automatic, and in combinations of the above. This broadened operating approach necessitates that understanding the various human machine teaming interdependent interactions across this diverse operating spectrum be completely delineated. NPS is well positioned to assist. Three approaches are considered: Use Co-active Design, since it is a rigorous engineering process that captures these interactions and interdependencies, develops workflows, and identifies resilient paths for human machine teaming using interdependence analysis (IA); define an FVL 'Living Lab' (LL) that the FVL program management office (PMO) could use to explore technical and concept tradeoffs; establish the cost/benefit relationships of these approaches; and design approaches to developing trust within this operating framework. The topic sponsor desires these techniques so as to create a PMO that decreases the speed at which technical tradeoffs can be identified and made.HQMC Aviation (AVN)This research is supported by funding from the Naval Postgraduate School, Naval Research Program (PE 0605853N/2098). https://nps.edu/nrpChief of Naval Operations (CNO)Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

A Technical Roadmap for Autonomy for Marine Future Vertical Lift (FVL)

NPS NRP Project PosterThe Marines desire to leverage automation in their next Future Vertical Lift (FVL) platform, meaning they must define the human-FVL teaming interactions. The FVL will operate in a wide spectrum of flight regimes, from remotely piloted, to fully manned, to mostly automatic, and in combinations of the above. This broadened operating approach necessitates that understanding the various human machine teaming interdependent interactions across this diverse operating spectrum be completely delineated. NPS is well positioned to assist. Three approaches are considered: Use Co-active Design, since it is a rigorous engineering process that captures these interactions and interdependencies, develops workflows, and identifies resilient paths for human machine teaming using interdependence analysis (IA); define an FVL 'Living Lab' (LL) that the FVL program management office (PMO) could use to explore technical and concept tradeoffs; establish the cost/benefit relationships of these approaches; and design approaches to developing trust within this operating framework. The topic sponsor desires these techniques so as to create a PMO that decreases the speed at which technical tradeoffs can be identified and made.HQMC Aviation (AVN)This research is supported by funding from the Naval Postgraduate School, Naval Research Program (PE 0605853N/2098). https://nps.edu/nrpChief of Naval Operations (CNO)Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

Identification of novel epithelial ovarian cancer loci in women of African ancestry.

Women of African ancestry have lower incidence of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) yet worse survival compared to women of European ancestry. We conducted a genome-wide association study in African ancestry women with 755 EOC cases, including 537 high-grade serous ovarian carcinomas (HGSOC) and 1,235 controls. We identified four novel loci with suggestive evidence of association with EOC (p < 1 × 10-6 ), including rs4525119 (intronic to AKR1C3), rs7643459 (intronic to LOC101927394), rs4286604 (12 kb 3' of UGT2A2) and rs142091544 (5 kb 5' of WWC1). For HGSOC, we identified six loci with suggestive evidence of association including rs37792 (132 kb 5' of follistatin [FST]), rs57403204 (81 kb 3' of MAGEC1), rs79079890 (LOC105376360 intronic), rs66459581 (5 kb 5' of PRPSAP1), rs116046250 (GABRG3 intronic) and rs192876988 (32 kb 3' of GK2). Among the identified variants, two are near genes known to regulate hormones and diseases of the ovary (AKR1C3 and FST), and two are linked to cancer (AKR1C3 and MAGEC1). In follow-up studies of the 10 identified variants, the GK2 region SNP, rs192876988, showed an inverse association with EOC in European ancestry women (p = 0.002), increased risk of ER positive breast cancer in African ancestry women (p = 0.027) and decreased expression of GK2 in HGSOC tissue from African ancestry women (p = 0.004). A European ancestry-derived polygenic risk score showed positive associations with EOC and HGSOC in women of African ancestry suggesting shared genetic architecture. Our investigation presents evidence of variants for EOC shared among European and African ancestry women and identifies novel EOC risk loci in women of African ancestry