Ohio Federal Research Network News / Blogs / Recap: May 6, 2025, Ohio Federal Research Network Virtual Opportunity Day on Human-Machine Teaming Opportunity Days: Human-Machine Teaming
On May 6, 2025, the Ohio Federal Research Network (OFRN) hosted its latest Virtual Opportunity Day, focusing on Human-Machine Teaming (HMT). This event, presented by Parallax Advanced Research in collaboration with The Ohio State University, the Ohio Department of Higher Education, and the Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Ohio, offered a platform for innovators from government, academia, and industry to explore emerging technologies in human-machine collaboration and discover critical research and development (R&D) funding opportunities.
View the entire event below
Key Highlights
The event featured leading voices from Parallax Advanced Research and AFRL who shared insights into Ohio’s strategic role in national security innovation, breakthroughs in cognitive and autonomous systems, and emerging funding opportunities. The agenda included:
Maj Gen (Ret.) Mark Bartman, VP for Advanced Development, Parallax Advanced Research, opened with an overview of OFRN’s mission and its role in advancing national security innovation through regional collaboration.
Mr. John Owen, Program Manager, Parallax Advanced Research gave an overview of the Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub, Ohio program.
Dr. Christopher Myers, Senior Cognitive Scientist, AFRL 711HPW/Human Effectiveness Directorate emphasized the importance of Multi-Cue Decision Making (MCDM) as a critical component of optimizing human performance in complex, high-stakes environments. This research explores how operators process multiple, often conflicting cues—such as time, distance, fuel, and threat levels—when making decisions under pressure, particularly in supervisory control of Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACPs). Using both high-fidelity simulations and controlled lab settings, the team investigates cognitive load, decision accuracy, and strategy shifts in response to ACP similarity and task complexity. Preliminary findings suggest increased cognitive effort when managing heterogeneous ACPs, as reflected in EEG markers. These insights contribute to developing adaptive interfaces, refining human-autonomy interaction, and enhancing mission performance in dynamic operational settings.
Dr. Mary Frame, Director of Cognitive Research, Deputy Program Manager, Parallax Advanced Research detailed its exploration into Human-Machine Teaming (HMT), a field focused on how humans and AI or autonomous systems collaborate to achieve shared goals. This research examines how humans interact with novel technologies, how trust and communication are built between teammates, and how to avoid over- or under-reliance on automation. Key efforts include developing adaptive user interfaces that support optimal task delegation, studying co-learning between humans and machines, and building AI agents that act as true teammates—capable of understanding context, communicating naturally, and sharing mental models. As AI continues to evolve, Parallax’s work aims to ensure seamless integration, effective decision-making, and mutual trust across human-machine teams.
Morgan Buck, Parallax Advanced Research intern supporting OFRN, provided a comprehensive overview of funding opportunities aligned with the HMT theme.
Featured Funding Opportunities
The event spotlighted 12 high-impact funding opportunities from DARPA, DoD, NASA, and Ohio state agencies:
Extramural Biomedical and Human Performance Research and Development.
Research Interests of the Air Force Office of Scientific Research Department of Defense.
Ohio Third Frontier Phase 2 Technology Validation and Start-up Fund (TVSF) Projects
FY25 Long Range Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) For Navy and Marine Corps Science and Technology
Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, ASA(ALT), Direct to Phase II
Pre-Release xTechOverwatch Open Topic: Electronics, Information Systems, Materials Sensors
Engagement & Audience Feedback
This event gathered over 70 participants from Ohio and surrounding regions, with backgrounds in aerospace, education, manufacturing, government, and consulting. Attendees came from a range of organizations, including The Ohio State University, University of Dayton, Battelle, and AFRL, as well as small businesses and government offices. With a balanced mix of academic and professional experience, the event offered valuable opportunities for knowledge sharing and cross-sector engagement.
Looking Ahead at Upcoming Events
Stay tuned for the next Opportunity Day, where new themes will continue to support the growth of Ohio’s innovation economy and national defense capabilities.
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About Ohio Federal Research Network
The Ohio Federal Research Network (OFRN) has the mission to stimulate Ohio’s innovation economy by building statewide university-industry research collaborations that meet the requirements of Ohio’s federal laboratories, resulting in the creation of technologies that drive job growth for the State of Ohio. The OFRN is a program managed by Parallax Advanced Research in collaboration with The Ohio State University and is funded by the Ohio Department of Higher Education.
About Parallax Advanced Research and the Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI)
Parallax Advanced Research is a 501(c)(3) private nonprofit research institute that tackles global challenges through strategic partnerships with government, industry, and academia. It accelerates innovation, addresses critical global issues, and develops groundbreaking ideas with its partners. With offices in Ohio and Virginia, Parallax aims to deliver new solutions and speed them to market. In 2023, Parallax and the Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI) formed a collaborative affiliation to drive innovation and technological advancements in Ohio and for the nation. The Ohio Aerospace Institute plays a pivotal role in advancing the aerospace industry in Ohio and the nation by fostering collaborations between universities, aerospace industries, and government organizations, and managing aerospace research, education, and workforce development projects. More information on both organizations can be found at Parallax and OAI websites.
