Automated task planning for autonomous multi-robot teams (ATAM)

In the ATAM project, FFI, Equinor and SINTEF have collaborated to develop and demonstrate AI-based methods for automated planning and acting – AI planning – in autonomous multi-robot operations for search and rescue and perimeter surveillance use cases. Through the ATAM partner collaboration with, e.g., workshops and frequent meetings, we have build on previous results on AI planning from SINTEF, integrated with knowhow and a simulation framework from FFI, advanced the methods towards the ATAM use cases, and worked to transfer results to the defence sector, particularly via FFI, and contributed to paving the way for future partnerships beyond the scope of this project. Search and rescue and perimeter surveillance use cases have been identified as important for the defence sector, as well as for the energy industry, where teams of robots can potentially increase efficiency and quality in operations. Although there has been much progress in realizing automated functions for robots (e.g., collision avoidance, object detection, etc.), the complexity of automatically coordinating such functions quickly explode even in simple multi-robot missions. AI planning from ATAM can potentially reduce such complexity. In particular, the AI planning methods take into account, e.g., battery capacity, and robot capabilities (e.g., type of sensors), to orchestrate robots and their automated functions to enable autonomous multi-robot operations. We have demonstrated results on FFI’s simulation framework, as well as on lab trials with ground and aerial vehicles. To ensure uptake of ATAM results, we have disseminated results to the defence sector, particularly FFI and the Norwegian Armed Forces, as well as the scientific community. In addition to the use cases where ATAM results will be demonstrated, the project results can be applied to other areas within and outside the defence sector where autonomous robot fleets can be beneficial. By combining cutting-edge scientific advancements with demonstrators, we aim to impact both research and operational aspects of the defence sector, and have built a platform for sustainable partnership. Further information about the project and its results can be found here: https://www.sintef.no/en/projects/2023/automated-task-planning-for-autonomous-multi-robot-teams-atam/

The effect of the project includes that the project partners have, through the ATAM results, increased their competence on the possibilities and challenges with automated planning and acting (AI planning), as well as on key aspects relevant for AI planning within defense use cases, in particular search and rescue and perimeter surveillance. ATAM has also led to new project opportunities for the partners, and increased visibility both nationally and international – potentially leading to increased international cooperation as well as further transfer of results to the defense sector. The project will affect the scientific community pushing the state of the art on AI planning further and demonstrating it on defense sector use cases. Moreover, the project will also increase awareness in the scientific community of defence sector specific requirements relevant for AI planning, thus aiding in guiding national and international research toward real needs in the defence sector. The potential impact of the project is increased use of autonomous robotics in defense, thus enabling low-manning operations to execute a larger range of tasks and covering larger areas in operations. Autonomous robotics and methods for AI planning can also impact other sectors such as inspection and maintenance of critical infrastructure in energy, transportation and the maritime industry. To this end, impacts of increased use of robots with AI planning capabilities can lead to increased human safety in operations (robots can be deployed more easily into, e.g., high-risk and remote operations thus relieving humans) and increased efficiency in operations (multi-robot operations without the need for tedious manual control by human operators). Autonomous robotics as part of the total defense, i.e., involvement of also the civilian sector, can lead to critical infrastructure being better protected against, e.g., sabotage. Less vulnerability to sabotage, as well as increased uptime due to improved inspection and maintenance (with robots) can benefit the society at large as critical services to the general public will be less prone to downtime (increased availability of transportation infrastructure, increased uptime of energy production and distribution, etc.).

In the ATAM project we will build collaboration between FFI, Equinor and SINTEF, and develop and demonstrate AI-based methods for automated planning and acting – AI planning – in autonomous multi-robot operations needed for the defence sector. Through the ATAM partner collaboration with, e.g., workshops and frequent meetings, we will build on previous results on AI planning from SINTEF, integrate with knowhow from FFI, advance the methods towards the ATAM defence use cases, transfer results to the defence sector, particularly FFI, and pave the way for future partnerships beyond the scope of this project. We will focus on search and rescue and perimeter surveillance use cases. These have been identified as important for the defence sector where teams of robots can potentially increase efficiency and quality in operations. Although there has been much progress in realizing automated functions for robots (e.g., collision avoidance, object detection, etc.), the complexity of automatically coordinating such functions quickly explode even in simple multi-robot missions. AI planning from ATAM could reduce complexity and orchestrate robots and their automated functions to enable autonomous multi-robot operations. To ensure uptake of ATAM results, we will disseminate results to the defence sector, particularly FFI and the Norwegian Armed Forces, as well as the scientific community. We will build sustained collaboration between the partners by establishing an Autonomous Robotics Forum. In addition to the use cases where ATAM results will be demonstrated, the results can be applied to other areas within and outside the defence sector where autonomous robot fleets can be beneficial. By combining cutting-edge scientific advancements with demonstrators, we aim to impact both research and operational aspects of the defence sector, and build a platform for sustainable partnership.