A translation architecture for the Joint Architecture for Unmanned Systems (JAUS)

Abstract

JAUS is an open architecture designed to support interoperability between unmanned vehicles, payloads and controllers.1 However, it competes against a plethora of other open architecture technologies and standards. In many cases, there is much to be gained by merging multiple open architecture components within a single system. One such case is with the Navy’s Common Control System (CCS) architecture utilized by the Multi-robot Operator Control Unit version 4 (MOCU4). CCS has primarily focused on Group 3-5 aircraft whereas MOCU4 is focused on ground and maritime unmanned vehicles. To utilize both of these architectures within a single system, a translation architecture called the SAE JAUS Vehicle Interface Service (VIS) has been designed and implemented by the MOCU4 team at the Space and Naval Warfare Systems (SPAWAR) Center Pacific (SSC Pacific). This paper will explore the design considerations and decisions of this VIS, as well as provide details of its implementation. It will also describe briefly how the VIS has been developed and utilized for the following projects: Navy Common Control System (CCS) integration with Large Training Vehicle (LTV), Control Station Human Machine Interface (CaSHMI), and the Universal Tactical Controller (UTC) for the Common Robotic System - Individual (CRS(I)).