2016-01-20: NASA HQ Associate Administrators Visit the Autonomy Incubator.

NASA Associate Administrator Robert Lightfoot and Deputy Associate Administrator Lesa Roe toured the Autonomy Incubator (AI) on January 20, 2016.

Dr. Danette Allen (Left) with Deputy Associate Administrator Lesa Roe (Center)
and Associate Administrator Robert Lightfoot (Right) in LaRC's Autonomy Incubator

Their visit to the AI included demonstrations of cooperative autonomy and a showcase of capabilities such as Localization, Object Detection and Classification, and Object Avoidance on the Mars Reusable Electric Flyer.

Jim Neilan points out sensors on our Mars Reusable Electric Flyer
while Dr. Loc Tran and Zak Johns look on.

A notional Mars Sample Return mission scenario was presented in which three Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) survey and identify and Area of Interest (AOI) for possible sample collection. A rover is summoned to the AOI and delivers a fourth UAV as well as its own paylaod. The UAVs fly collaboratively (in formation) while the rover completes its own related mission.

Rover "Herbie" exhibits "Follow Me" behavior behind a UAV
to deliver the fourth intelligent agent to complete the mission

Rover "Herbie" has delivered the fourth UAV and exits the scene