Objective:

Design of efficient habitats and work environments is difficult. Agent-based simulation can be a powerful tool for such design and for optimizing crew task assignments and schedules. Investigators will model small-team behavior in a restricted setting such as the Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station (FMARS). They will develop realistic Brahms simulations of human interactions with other humans and with information systems and the physical environment. This will require realistic modeling of human expertise, scheduling of work and life-support operations, and generation of protocols for mixed-initiative systems, all modeled from recorded field practices. Modeling will include robotic systems and software agents, and will incorporate Brahms-based support for field operations. Agent-based virtual-reality animations will simplify development and validation of the simulations. The goal is to simulate the scientific work, scheduling, and daily living of astronauts. Simulation can then be used in what-if mode to design smart habitats for productive work and comfortable living.

Applications:

Methodology for studying field operations data; habitat and work space design for remote science and exploration systems; improved Mars living and working environments.

NASA Benefit:

This research in model-based C3I design for distributed teamwork will improve crew selection, operations planning, and mission support, and will aid design of smart habitats for productive work and comfortable living. The tools can be extended to any habitat, such as the International Space Station (ISS) or lunar bases.

Keywords:

agent simulation, crew operations studies, task scheduling, habitat design, team behavior

Images:

PI slides.

Prior Technology:

Rules of thumb; design reuse; simulations; field tests.

FY04 Milestone:

"Model-to-Control" proof of concept for human-robotic teams.

FY04 Quadchart Slide:

HCC_NRA_Clancey_HabDsgn.ppt.

Accomplishments:

Integrated models with Digital Space; simulated FMARS in Brahms with VR graphics; simulated FMARS analog expeditions with human-robotic exploration; videotaped, logged, and studied interactions during routine activities; planned and scheduled crew activities; integrated remote communication and local speech interfaces. Integrated technologies from four other IS/HCC tasks; completed field tests in challenging analog environments (Arctic, desert) with human-robotic teams in realistic exploration scenarios.

Papers:

"Field Science Ethnography," Field Methods, Aug 01.

"Simulating activities," Cognitive Systems Research.

"A Framework for Analog Studies of Mars Surface Operations," Proc. Mars Society Conference, Aug 00.

Related Web Pages:

Research group page.

Contacts:

William J. Clancey (PI), Ames Research Center (Code IC).
Maarten Sierhuis (Co-I), USRA RIACS.
Pascal C. Lee (Co-I), SETI Institute at ARC.