U-space TWICS: A meta U-space service concept to aid developing communications between autonomous uncrewed systems

Abstract

U-space is a regulatory concept for an upcoming air space targeted towards unmanned aerial systems (UAS). It requires an automatic communication of operators with mandatory services in a centralized structure. However, communication directly between UAS also needs to be anticipated. A U-space could provide a basis to foster a cooperative, collective understanding of a shared ecosystem and thereby aid in risk avoidance. We propose the concept of a meta "To Whom It Concerns Service (TWICS)" in the context of U-space to advance safe operations of UAS with a decentralized information structure. To that extent, we define an open, modifiable information exchange service between participants. TWICS provides an experimental communication infrastructure for automated information exchange and a forum targeted to create, modify, and evaluate those exchanges. Lastly, we provide an example and further discuss our proposal, its advantages and potential pitfalls.