Intuitive HRI Approach with Reliable and Resilient Wireless Communication for Rescue Robots and First Responders

Abstract

In this paper, we present a user-selectable control unit to make complex robot systems easier to operate. Search and rescue robots are primarily used for obtaining information and manipulating dangerous objects or supporting emergency forces in dealing with crisis situations. Based on hazardous mission scenarios in which mobile robot systems are confronted with complex manipulation and manoeuvring tasks (e.g., leakage of contaminants), new methods and concepts in the area of robot decision making, sensor data presentation and control concepts were developed to facilitate the handling and operation of assistance robots. The flexibility of the control concept approach is intended to increase the confidence of the emergency services and to provide intuitive operation of the assistance robots for every user. An intuitive control and stable communication for both control commands and feedback from the robot itself increase trust in the robotic system and its acceptance by the operators. These developments have been investigated in field trials with different types of robots and with network communication constraints.