Exploring Alternative Interfaces for Controlling Robotic Water Cannons

Abstract: In this thesis we are exploring the possibilities to use new and modern interfaces to control industrial robotic hardware, in specific a single water cannon system called TARGA. Using a iterative Design-Build-Test cycle we have been able to build three different prototype interfaces for controlling this robotic water cannon. One touch based, one gesture based and one gamepad interface has been designed, built and tested on users. We found that with modern interfaces, touch, gestures and gamepads we are able to create user experiences easier to use than the standard physical water cannon joystick. Although our user tests showed that the standard joystick still was the preferred interface to use by the users we did find that these modern interfaces can act as great complements to the already existing interface for increased usability.