Description
Objective: The objective of this Phase I effort is to design and demonstrate the feasibility of a secure, edge-deployable, voice-enabled Artificial Intelligence (AI) assistant capable of providing a hands-free Command and Control (C2) of autonomous logistics systems. This Phase I effort will focus on validating natural-language interaction technologies, such as resilient speech-to-text and intent-recognition models optimized for high-noise expeditionary and spaceport environments, and the capability of operating in intermittent or disconnected conditions. The resulting prototype will establish the architecture for integrating voice-based Command and Control into Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) control interfaces, to improve operational efficiency and human-machine teaming in contested environments. Description: Logistics operations in contested, expeditionary, and spaceport environments present significant challenges for the management of autonomous systems. C2 interfaces rely heavily on graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and persistent network connectivity, both of which are vulnerabilities in Denied, Degraded, Intermittent, and Limited (DDIL) environments. These traditional interfaces often increase operator cognitive burden and limit situational awareness, particularly in high-noise conditions where manual input devices are impractical. To address this gap, the U.S. Space Force (USSF) seeks the development of a secure, edge-deployable, voice-enabled AI assistant to provide hands-free C2 for autonomous logistics systems, specifically Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs). This capability will allow operators to maintain operational tempo by interacting with autonomous systems through intuitive, natural language-based interfaces that function independently of cloud-based processing. The solution should demonstrate capabilities such as: - Resilient Voice Processing: Speech-to-text and intent-recognition models specifically optimized for high-noise expeditionary environments - Edge-Native Operation: Ability to function in a disconnected or denied, degraded, or disrupted (D3) environment without reliance on persistent external or cloud connectivity - System Interoperability: Compatibility with existing autonomous middleware and UGV control architectures; - Secure C2 Implementation: Providing a secure, authenticated voice-command interface that minimizes latency in critical decision-making loops; - Ruggedized Performance: Maintaining stability across hardware configurations typically found in forward-deployed or austere spaceport locations; - Human-Machine Teaming: Enabling personnel to operate robotic assets hands-free, thereby improving safety and throughput during rapid cargo movements. Proposed solutions should demonstrate the ability to interpret operator intent and execute C2 commands under operationally realistic conditions. This topic seeks technologies that bridge the gap between advanced autonomy and human-centric control, directly supporting the USSF mission objectives for agile and resilient logistics operations in contested environments. Keywords: Voice AI, Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs), Edge AI, Tactical Autonomy, Logistics Command and Control (C2) CMMC Level: Level 2 (Self)