Symbiotic simulation (S2) based decision support

Symbiotic Simulation (S2) based decision support is a relatively new and growing area where simulations are used in real-time to give support to the decision maker. Like embedded systems in the classical context an S2-system is connected to physical systems that it is supposed to simulate. The S2 system receives a constant flow of input data, from the physical systems and other sources, that is processed and used in the simulations. Several so called what-if simulations are executed to test different courses of action. The results from the simulations are evaluated, ranked in order of preference and presented in a comprehensible way to the decision maker. The decision maker uses these results, among other things, to choose an alternative and control the physical system. The consequences of these chosen actions are compared continuously with the results of the simulations. In this way the S2-system can validate and refine its models. Thus, there exists a symbiotic relationship between the physical system and the S2-system, hence the name Symbiotic Simulation. This report describes the S2-concept and maps related domains and on-going efforts within this area. Further on, examples of how the concept could be applied within a number of domains and the use for the defense are exemplified. One of the suggested applications is sensor management with UAV:s. This is the application the project mainly has concentrated on and that is used as a basis for the concept demonstrator that is currently under development. The report finishes with a discussion of the area, the conclusions that we have been able to draw, and finally a short description of the future work.