User interface considerations for the control and tasking of multiple autonomous vehicles for facilities like the Goodyear proving grounds

Abstract

One of the largest factors relating to the commercial success of unmanned vehicles will be ease of use. A man machine interface (MMI) with the goal of allowing a user to easily task, monitor, and control multiple vehicles can benefit from several advancements in human machine interaction from both the research and commercial sectors. This paper focuses on the design considerations of an MMI that balances the complexity inherent to the control of multiple autonomous vehicles with the simplicity required for commercialization. It also profiles MARS, an MMI that Autonomous Solutions Incorporated has developed to facilitate the commercialization of automated test vehicles, and discusses an example applicable to the Goodyear Proving Grounds facility.