PACIFIC SCIENCE & ENGINEERING GROUP, INC. — Department of Defense STTR Phase I: N23A-T014

Description

To compete on the world stage of undersea warfare (USW), the US Navy’s USW systems are frequently updated with advanced capabilities. As a result, modernization trainers need to perform the challenging tasks of updating training material to reflect the new (and obsolete) capabilities. This process requires comparing legacy to updated documentation, identifying changes to system capabilities, and updating curricula and exams to reflect those changes. These tasks are currently all performed manually, consuming significant time and effort. Pacific Science and Engineering (PSE) and SRI International (SRI) International propose to develop an artificial intelligence (AI)-based learning environment (ABLE) to support Navy instructors responsible for modernization training. ABLE will support the ingestion of relevant digital documentation and use natural language processing (NLP) to analyze and extract content relevant to USW mission support. ABLE will also synthesize test questions and answers based on imported content, deliver, and grade exams, and summarize student performance. Importantly, ABLE will feature an intuitive user interface (UI) that will make it easy for trainers to validate and maintain updated curricula for USW operational training. ABLE’s NLP engine will be developed based on extensive testing and validation using state-of-the-art methods and deep understanding of the USW training domain, while its UI will be grounded in an evidence-based, user-centered design process and scientific application of human factors and cognitive science principles.