Costing for an Autonomous Future: A Discussion on Estimation for Unmanned Autonomous Systems

This paper will produce three areas of discussion in the field of cost estimation for unmanned autonomous systems. First, this paper will propose a common definition of an Unmanned Autonomous system. Second, it will introduce a method to estimate the cost of unmanned autonomous systems utilizing existing parametric cost estimation tools: SEER – HDR, COCOMO II, COSYSMO, and two relationships – weight and performance. The third discussion will focus on challenges surrounding autonomy. To address these challenges from a cost perspective, this paper recommends modifications to parameters within COCOMO II – via the use of object oriented function points in lieu of current methods, and COSYSMO – via the introduction of two cost driving parameters, namely, TVED and HRI-T. Finally, in summary this paper will identify areas of further research.