USAR-Robot Interface Evaluation

Abstract: Urban Search And Rescue (USAR) is something that is utilized more frequently in modern society due to the advancements made in the robotics field. Being able to use a robot to search for survivors in urban environments after disasters is invaluable. The fact that robots are able to endure hazardous areas significantly reduces response times when searching for survivors, and, in turn increasing chances of finding and rescuing victims. A major contribution to why robots have yet to dominate USAR is the fact that the robot interfaces have not evolved at the same pace that the robots have. Being able to intuitively instruct the robots is a core functionality that could be improved. Creating and implementing such an interface is not an easy task however, which is why research has to be conducted in order to find out what really makes a well functioning interface. In this case has a USAR robot interface not only been created and implemented in different varieties, but user testing sessions have also been conducted in order to properly determine the requirements of a well functioning interface. The results of these tests have shown that some factors appear to be more important than others, but also that appearances can be deceiving and that none of these factors are in fact without its own importance.