SBIR-STTR Award

Think-A-Move (TAM) will develop a heads-up, hands-free speech command control system for UGVs. Also, TAM, in conjunction with Autonomous Solutions, will develop and implement appropriate autonomous behaviors and video servoing capabilities. And, TAM will develop a plan to review the human-factors of different COTS video display systems. This proposal addresses two critical challenges of current Unmanned Ground Vehicle Operator Control Units: Reduced Operator Situational Awareness because of the need to focus on the display screen, and that with current systems, the Operator does not contribute to the firing power of an Infantry Squad when operating a UGV because UGV operations require two hands.

Keywords:
Speech, Voice, Ugv, Control, Situational, Unmanned, Hands-Free, Heads-Up,

Think-A-Move's (TAM's) Phase II proposal will create a hands-free and heads-up control system for Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs). TAM will build upon the Phase I work by (1) developing and implementing a robust algorithm for spotting spoken commands that will enable the UGV Operator to give speech commands to the UGV completely hands-free, (2) enhancing the performance of TAM's SPEAR speech recognition system [12] in stressful battlefield conditions, and (3) enhancing two sub-vocal control modes that were developed in Phase I - whisper speech and teeth clicks to make them more robust to noise. TAM will partner with Autonomous Solutions, Inc. (ASI) so that the Operator can drive a UGV, with a high level of fidelity, to a location selected by the Operator by using hands-free commands in conjunction with image segmentation and video overlays. In addition, Rockwell Collins will provide soldier worn video display systems that were assessed in Phase I. The proposed Phase II effort will culminate in a demonstration of a hands-free, heads-up system, implemented on a PackBot, that will enable the Operator have a high level of fidelity for control of the system while maintaining his situational awareness.

Keywords:
Spear Heads-Up Hands-Free Voice Control Speech Control Ugv Uav Uas