Our Technology Approach
Cougaar Software, Inc. (CSI) has been on the cutting edge of distributed agent and intelligent systems research for over a decade, working on advanced concepts and systems projects from DARPA, ONR, TATRC, and others. Our tools, methodology, experience, and specialized knowledge of intelligent systems allow us to provide clients with low risk, high payoff solutions for their most challenging business needs.
Cognitive Agent Architecture
Our technology approach is built on research conducted by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to determine the feasibility of using advanced agent technology to conduct rapid, large scale, distributed logistics planning and replanning. In 1997, DARPA leveraged emerging research in distributed, intelligent software agents to develop a ground breaking technology called the Cognitive Agent Architecture (Cougaar). This technology is a Java-based architecture that enables the construction of large-scale distributed agent-based applications that focus on optimizing logistics support to operations and revolutionizing global military logistics by improving coordination between operations and logistics to enhance overall operational performance.
Effectiveness and Control
CSI is using Cougaar as the core technology to solve complex problems through the development of cognitive computing capabilities. These capabilities emulate the human thought processes in software, to include planning, assessment and decision making. The cognitive agents leverage a variety of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Operations Research techniques to process information and perform deep reasoning in a manner that mirrors the human cognitive process but operates 24×7 and never gets fatigued. When utilized in a mixed initiative environment, one where humans and automation are working together as a team, this technology can dramatically improve human performance while enhancing the human skills of insight, creativity and strategy to greatest effect – ensuring both effectiveness and control.
The Development Continues
The development of the core technology is being continued by CSI to improve upon its general capability and depth of reasoning. Further, as computer capabilities and the computing power of embedded systems has improved, the practicality of utilizing the Cougaar technology in a more comprehensive manner has become viable.