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CEL Awarded Contract for Trust in Combat Identification Research

CEL has won a contract from Defense Research and Development Canada (DRDC) to develop and test human-machine interfaces to support appropriate trust and reliance on automated combat identification systems. Combat identification systems aid infantry soldiers in deciding whether to engage an individual who may be an enemy but could also be a comrade or bystander.

The project’s ultimate goal is to reduce the occurrence of fratricide incidents.   To do this, the research team will first have to gain insight into improper use of automated combat identification systems and attempt to understand how soldiers set their decision criteria in engagement decisions.  Much of this information can be gathered by using the IMMERSIVE system, which simulates battlefield conditions and allows participants to interact with an automated combat identification system. MASc student Lu Wang has been customizing aspects and parameters of the IMMERSIVE environment to better glean the necessary information for the project.    

The findings from the experimentation phase will guide the design of a human-machine interface to aid infantry members in effective use of the combat identification system. MASc student Heather Neyedli will lead the design effort.