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

In the ATAM project we will build collaboration between the partners 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, we will build on previous results on AI planning from SINTEF, integrate with knowhow from the partners, advance the methods towards the ATAM defence use cases (e.g., search and rescue and parameter surveillance), transfer results to the defence sector, and pave the way for future partnerships beyond the scope of this project. We will focus on use cases 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, as well as the scientific community. 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.

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.