Cognitive Systems Engineering (CSE) Methods to Support Adaptive, Integrated Anomaly Response

The proposed project aims to tailor cognitive systems engineering methods to support the design of Fault Detection, Isolation, and Recovery (FDIR) capabilities intended for remote smart habitats and NASA’s Moon to Mars initiative. We will adapt the Integrated Cognitive Analysis for Human-Machine Teaming (ICA-HMT) strategy, developed and exercised previously as part of the Army’s Future Vertical Lift program to understand the envisioned world for future rotorcraft that leverages advanced automation and operates in dynamic, time-critical and high-risk contexts. For this project, we will conduct an in-depth Cognitive Task Analysis (CTA) to understand and document the envisioned world of remote smart habitats and identify cognitive requirements associated with deep space operational challenges such as intermittently occupied smart habitats, limited communications bandwidth, and significant communication latencies. CTA findings will be used to generate design recommendations for integrated human-autonomy system configurations that can then be evaluated using Work Models that Compute (WMC), a modeling and simulation framework. WMC is designed to model elements of collective work such as workload, interdependencies, and tradeoffs, incorporating macrocognitive aspects of the work that are not easily observed (e.g., sensemaking, decision making). We further propose the design of visualizations that enable developers to “what-if” and explore tradeoffs between different teaming configurations. Phase I objectives include identifying high-consequence FDIR use cases, extending WMC to include the cognitive aspects of the work that enable modeling of various integrated human-autonomy teaming configurations, and assessing feasibility of the proposed approach. This team includes Applied Decision Science, experts in cognitive task analysis; Dr. Martijn Ijtmsa of the Ohio State University, expert in WMC; and former astronaut James ‘Mash’ Dutton.

This proposal addresses the challenge of designing integrated human-autonomy systems, enabling increased autonomy while ensuring safety, effectiveness, and sustainable operations in space. The Integrated Cognitive Analysis for Human-Machine Teaming (ICA-HMT) approach provides a framework for considering an envisioned world that includes future technologies, macrocognitive aspects of work that are easily overlooked, and interdependencies between integrated human-autonomy systems. The importance of considering these aspects of work is frequently highlighted; however, strategies for effectively modeling them in a form that supports examination of design tradeoffs remains largely elusive. The ICA-HMT has been demonstrated to successfully address these issues in a single context. Adapting this method for use by NASA has the potential to support evolving human-autonomy system design for a range of projects including the Artemis Program and Exploration Ground System (EGS). In the Artemis Program, which aims to return humans to the Moon and eventually send them to Mars, these capabilities may be instrumental in designing Fault Detection, Isolation, and Recovery (FDIR) systems that effectively monitor, detect, and respond to faults in habitats and other critical systems. Developers could simulate and adjust how functions are allocated across the integrated human-autonomy system; and explore the consequences of delayed response under different conditions. An effective FDIR system that isolates faults and recommends recovery actions will be critical for mission resilience and crew safety during extended stays on the lunar surface and during transit to Mars. For the EGS program, ICA-HMT could facilitate simulations of fault scenarios during spacecraft integration and testing, allowing engineers to evaluate the effectiveness of FDIR procedures early in development. ICA-HMT would be an essential asset from pre-launch testing to in-flight operations. The Integrated Cognitive Analysis for Human-Machine Teaming (ICA-HMT) approach was originally developed to evaluate human-automation crewing design configurations in the Army’s Future Vertical Lift program. In conjunction with the Future Vertical Lift work, the proposed tailoring of the ICA-HMT approach, is also relevant commercially, particularly for sectors with complex systems and requirements for Fault Detection, Isolation, and Recovery (FDIR) systems, anomaly response, and/or operations in the envisioned world. For commercial aviation and aerospace companies, adapted ICA-HMT methods can enable detailed modeling, allowing developers to simulate alternate roles and capabilities of the integrated human-autonomy team and the effects on workload, sensemaking, etc. In the automotive industry, the potential applications are two-fold. In manufacturing facilities, detailed simulation capabilities may be critical for evaluating an FDIR system’s ability to effectively monitor, diagnose, and recommend recovery actions for faults in production machinery, robotics, and/or process control systems. Similarly, self-driving vehicle manufacturers could leverage ICA-HMT to support the development of FDIR tools that monitor and diagnose faults in engine components, electrical systems, and safety features quickly and accurately. In this rapidly developing industry ICA-HMT, in addition to current FDIR systems, could help prevent accidents and enhance overall vehicle reliability. ICA-HMT may be instrumental in improving reliability, safety, and efficiency of operations. This research team will leverage an established distribution channel, the CTA Institute, a training resource for cognitive task analysis methods used by students, researchers, and practitioners worldwide. The CTA Institute will make these capabilities widely available to researchers and technology developers who are working on complex problems integrating automation and autonomous systems.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 1) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.