Development and Implementation of Micro Autonomous Systems and Technologies (MAST) Interactive Reconfigurable Matrix of Alternatives (M-IRMA) for Concept Selection

Abstract

Army Research Laboratory sponsored Micro Autonomous Systems and Technologies (MAST) project seeks to collaboratively develop new technologies to enhance warfighter's small unit's tactical situation awareness in complex terrain. The development consists of multifunctional, autonomous and collaborative microsystem swarms. To analyze the large concept space, a specialized tool, MAST Interactive Reconfigurable Matrix of Alternatives (M-IRMA) has been developed. A convoy assistance mission scenario based on the movie’Black Hawk Down’ is analyzed and evaluated using the tool. Results include the selection of families of concepts, among the defined alternatives, that accomplish the mission optimally. The system components reflect fundamental requirements of the mission, namely high endurance, adaptability, path planning, and communication ability. Moreover, a database-driven web-based implementation of M-IRMA enables online definition of problems and conceptualization of solutions. WM-IRMA (Web-based MAST Interactive Reconfigurable Matrix of Alternatives) provides a dynamic online platform for MAST researchers to remotely access, view, modify, and evaluate alternatives simultaneously.