Delegation for authority and autonomy: An assignment and coordination model

In systems that support dynamic allocation of work across human and autonomous agents, mechanisms for the delegation of authority are required. A case study inspired by the Überlingen mid-air collision is presented demonstrating an instantiation of a delegation assignment and coordination model. The scenario includes multiple delegation assignments issued from two sets of delegating agents to the same set of adopting agents. For one aircraft, two delegation assignments are made: a clearance from an air traffic controller and an opposing resolution from flightdeck traffic collision alerting automation. For the other aircraft, one delegation assignment is made (a resolution from flightdeck traffic collision alerting automation that is coordinated with the other traffic's automation and that makes the effect of the air traffic control clearance hazardous). The example demonstrates how the agents involved in Überlingen assigned and accepted multiple, coupled delegations and highlights issues arising from available information and the timing of assignments that may interfere with adherence to coordination procedures. This example indicates the need to extend methods for modeling of delegation assignment and coordination in order to inform the design of autonomous agents, associated procedures, and decision support.