Scaling Robotic Displays: Displays and Techniques for Dismounted Movement with Robots

Abstract

Abstract : The purpose of this research was to examine the effects of display type and robotic employment techniques on robotic control during dynamic dismounted Soldier operations. The study took place at Fort Benning, GA, using Soldiers from the Officer Candidate School (OCS) as participants. The employment techniques contrasted stationary bounding operation with operation of the robot while the Soldier was on the move. The two display types were a handheld display (HHD) and a helmet mounted display (HMD). Results indicated that Soldiers performed better with the HHD than they did with the HMD used in this experiment. Their course completion times, driving errors, and the number of times they drove off course were all lower with the HHD. The Soldiers also preferred the HHD to the HMD and rated the workload with the HHD lower. With regard to technique, Soldiers preferred the bounding technique to the continuous movement technique. Fewer driving and off course errors were made and more items were detected with the bounding technique. Finally, until robots become more autonomous in their navigation, robotic control during Soldier movement is beyond the multitasking ability of most Soldiers.