Scaling Robotic Systems for Dismounted Warfighters

Abstract

As robot usage becomes more widespread, there is a pressing need to develop smaller, lighter robotic control systems that have good training transfer from larger systems; do not overload the operator cognitively or physically; and enable good performance across a variety of settings. This article describes four experiments designed to investigate options for scaling robot controllers for dismounted use. The authors evaluated many different controller characteristics, chosen from consideration of available options and guided by factors expected to affect operator performance in realistic missions. These factors included camera display screen size, comparisons of handheld versus head-mounted displays and split screen displays versus toggledriven and multimodal displays, and three approaches to reducing the size of the control interface. Each configuration examined was chosen on the basis of theorybased expectations and availability of technology. Participants were 108 soldiers from various military occupational specialties with ages ranging from 21 to 38. Results demonstrated the following fruitful methods for reducing controller size: reducing driving displays to between 3.5 and 6.5 inches, using handheld displays (HHDs), adding a tactile belt to a toggle screen for driving and map reading, and miniaturizing existing control size. All recommended options for reducing controller size had no adverse impact on cognitive requirements or performance.Robotic platforms, essential components of this process, perform functions such as collection of reconnaissance information, logistics support, execution of combat operations, personnel protection, and retrieval of combat wounded. Their effectiveness has made robotic assets ubiquitous throughout the military, even at the lowest echelons. However, use of these technologies presents several human performance challenges for the warfighter. Human Performance Challenges in Human-Robot InteractionThe increasing number and variety of ground unmanned vehicles (UV), ranging from very small, handheld units that can be thrown to large, vehicle-sized units, represent a huge challenge to the warfighters who must learn to operate one or more of these UVs. Each UV usually has its own controller with its own instructions for operator use and maintenance. Operator control levels range from teleoperation of every robotic movement, which requires a high level of operator attention, to supervisory control of fully autonomous UVs. Operator tasks range from simple and straightforward driving tasks to challenging manipulation tasks to complex cognitive tasks, which make up intricate robotic missions. Operations are often out of line of sight such that the operator cannot see the robotic asset being controlled. Additionally, the UVs often have multiple cameras, other sensors (e.g., audio, chemical), and arms for manipulation (e.g., grasping, cutting, pulling, carrying), and some may even have weapons. Warfighters can seldom relegate the operation of these various devices to a specialist and thus a...

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