| This thesis provides information on intelligent agents and their potential use for controlling an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). As the number of aerial vehicles involved in a single mission increases, the current operator-to-vehicle ratio must decrease. With recent advances in automation, artificial intelligence, and especially intelligent agents, it is now possible to make real-time decisions onboard unmanned vehicles. Using the belief, desire, and intention agent model, coupled with data from onboard sensors, a solution is developed in this thesis. Key contributions of this thesis include; the development of a UAV-based Search and Rescue mission concept of operation, the implications of using intelligent agents within a UAV to STANAG 4586, and considerations for the future integration of intelligent agents into a physical UAV system and simulation environment. |
