Defining autonomous functionalities of narrow artificial intelligences for a defensive unmanned ground vehicle to enhance human-UGV teaming performance for defending forces

Abstract: There is a growing need to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into military systems, particularly unmanned vehicles (UxVs). In this paper, the application of AI in defensive combat scenarios involving UGVs is explored. The report is based on an extensive quasi-experiment (n= 458) in a simulation environment. The experiment employed the Wizard of Oz methodology to simulate autonomy in Laykka unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) within the Virtual Battle Space 4 (VBS4) platform, conducted in collaboration with the Finnish Defense Forces (FDF). This paper explores the potential applications of AI in defensive combat operations. Participants included conscripts and enlisted staff officers, with five operators managing the UGVs. The simulation involved participants taking roles in a defending platoon supported by 16 autonomous UGVs, and in an attacking mechanized infantry company. A total of 48 scenarios were conducted, with data collected through questionnaires, mock graphical user interfaces, qualitative interviews, and scenario event analysis. This paper focuses particularly on the aspects of autonomy and its possible uses learned from the simulation, thus being an explorative study. Questionnaire and simulation data collected from users, operators, and observers is utilized to identify potential requirements and optimal locations for the integration of autonomy in UGVs. The findings highlight the necessity for highly structured command inputs when deploying AI in military contexts. Furthermore, the study suggests that AI is not always essential, and when utilized, it should be restricted to specific, well-defined tasks and functions.

Keywords: Autonomy, Artificial Intelligence, GUI, HAT, Simulation, Unmanned Ground Vehicle, UGV

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1005914

Cite this paper:

​