Distributed Autonomy Lab | Computer Science

UAV Coordination

This research is aimed at allowing a single operator to efficiently manage multiple UAVs and interact effectively with higher levels of autonomy. Studies validate the system and elucidate factors that affect operator trust. Results suggest that a human operator can team with robots and effectively interact with higher levels of autonomy using environmental cues while promoting trust, lowering workload, and increasing situational awareness.
Pervasive Systems for Elder Care (PSEC)

Smart environments can support aging and disabled persons through personalized autonomy and safety management. Factors that increase trust and interaction must be natural and incorporate the ability to understand environment state in the context of the current user preferences. Active research looks at providing situational awareness through a speech-enabled avatar enhanced with an interactive preference handling engine.
iAAMCS - Broadening Participation

The Institute for African-American Mentoring in Computing Sciences (iAAMCS, pronounced ‘i am cs’) serves as a national resource for all African-American computer science students and faculty. The objective of iAAMCS is to increase the number of African-Americans receiving Ph.D. degrees in computing sciences, promote and engage students in teaching and training opportunities, and add more diverse researchers into the advanced technology workforce.

Overview

The Distributed Autonomy Lab focuses on multiagent/multirobot coordination and user interfaces. Research projects study multiagent/multirobot autonomy, teaming with humans and user interfaces and their effect on trust. Major thrusts include Operator Multiagent Teaming for Safety applications (OMTS) and Pervasive Systems for Elder Care (PSEC).

DSL Lab Facilities

Dr Anderson’s robotics lab is 1200 sq feet and is housed in a newly (2009) built science and engineering building. The lab is equipped with both student desk space and a dedicated test arena. A full array of bench equipment for testing and integration is available on a workbench with exhaust hood and safety stations.