HAT.tec

HAT.tec operates as a specialized software development and consulting firm, focusing on the principle of Human-Autonomy Teaming (HAT). The company was established in 2018 as a spin-off from the Institute of Flight Systems at the Bundeswehr University Munich by Yannick Brand, Fabian Schmitt, and Professor Axel Schulte. This move was driven by their identification of a gap between academic research and industrial application in human-machine cooperation. The founders possess deep expertise in this domain; Brand has over seven years of experience in civil and military aviation and manned-unmanned teaming, while Schmitt specializes in the replanning of multi-vehicle missions. Professor Schulte contributes extensive experience from his work as a systems engineer, a research fellow, and a visiting professor at MIT, focusing on humans and automation.

The company's business model is centered on developing customer-specific software solutions and providing consulting services for clients in the civil, parapublic, and defense sectors. Revenue is generated through the design, development, integration, and distribution of these software solutions and advisory services. HAT.tec targets applications such as manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T), ground control stations, and reduced crew operations, aiming to enhance mission performance by effectively combining human cognitive strengths with the capabilities of artificial intelligence. The firm's product portfolio includes intelligent agents for the semi-autonomous execution of tasks by unmanned air and ground vehicles, reducing reliance on manual operator input. One of its key offerings is the SCALE mission software suite, a modular system for airborne operations that manages geospatial, sensor, and tactical information to improve situational awareness for pilots and operators.

HAT.tec's core philosophy is to augment, rather than replace, human capabilities. Their systems utilize AI for automated reasoning, planning, and decision-making to support humans in complex and high-stakes environments. This approach enables a higher vehicle-to-operator ratio, allowing a single operator to manage multiple unmanned systems. As a testament to its operational standards, the company achieved EN9100 and ISO 9001 certification in 2020. The company has received backing from entities including the Bundeswehr University Munich, ESA BIC Bavaria, and Minna Invest.

Keywords: Human-Autonomy Teaming, manned-unmanned teaming, mission management systems, dual-use technology, defense software, aerospace AI, cockpit assistance systems, ground control stations, autonomous systems, AI mission planning, multi-vehicle missions, situational awareness software, human-machine interface, operator assistant systems, UAV autonomy, defense innovation, AI-based guidance, decision support systems, command and control software, flight systems technology