Title: A Sandpit for Systems Engineering and Systems Integration education and research

Authors: Quoc Do, Stephen C. Cook, Peter Campbell, Shraga Shoval, Stephen Russell, Todd Mansell, Phillip Relf

Addresses: Defence and Systems Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Campus, SA 5095, Australia. ' Defence and Systems Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Campus, SA 5095, Australia. ' Defence and Systems Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Campus, SA 5095, Australia. ' Defence and Systems Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Campus, SA 5095, Australia. ' Defence and Systems Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Campus, SA 5095, Australia. ' Defence Science and Technology Organisation, Edinburgh, SA 5111, Australia. ' Raytheon Australia, Edinburgh, SA 5111, Australia

Abstract: This paper describes the Microcosm programme established by the Defence Science and Technology Organisation and University of South Australia that seeks to provide a facility to explore systems integration issues, accelerate the formation of systems engineering competencies, and conduct research into model-based systems engineering. Firstly, the paper outlines the design drivers and long term goals of the programme. This is followed by a description of the Stage One implementation that covers the high-level architecture, system design, and implementation. The utility of the Microcosm Sandpit has been successfully demonstrated through a real-time intruder detection and engagement scenario using real and simulated autonomous robot vehicles.

Keywords: Microcosm program; systems engineering; systems integration; model-based systems engineering; engineering education; autonomous systems; defence engineering; research; intruder detection; intruder engagement; simulation; autonomous robots; robot vehicles; autonomous vehicles.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIDSS.2009.030586

International Journal of Intelligent Defence Support Systems, 2009 Vol.2 No.3, pp.246 - 267

Published online: 24 Dec 2009 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article