Urban Search And Rescue Robot Research Articles

Exploration of the Impact of Interpersonal Communication and Coordination Dynamics on Team Effectiveness in Human-Machine Teams

Teams composed of human and machine members operating in complex task environments must effectively interact in response to information flow while adapting to environmental changes. This study investigates how interpersonal coordination dynamics between team members are associated with team performance and shared situation awareness in a simulated urban search and rescue (USAR) task. More specifically, this study investigates (1) how communication recurrence affected and reflected coordination dynamics between a USAR robot and human operator when they used different communication strategies, and (2) how these dynamic characteristics of the human–robot interpersonal coordination were associated with the team performance and shared situation awareness. The USAR interpersonal coordination dynamics were systematically characterized using discrete recurrence quantification analysis. Results from this study indicate that (1) teams demonstrating more flexibility in their coordination dynamics were more adaptive to changes in the task environment, and (2) while robot explanations help to improve shared situation awareness, revisiting the same communication pattern (i.e., routine coordination) was associated with better team performance, but did not improve shared situation awareness.

Performance of the Improvements of the CAESAR Robot

Robots are able to enter concealed and unstable environments inaccessible to rescuers. Previous Urban Search And Rescue (USAR) robots have experienced problems with malfunction of communication systems, traction systems, control and telemetry. These problems were accessed and improved in developing a prototype robot called CAESAR, which is an acronym for Contractible Arms Elevating Search And Rescue. Problems encountered with previous USAR robots are discussed. The mechanical, sensory and communication systems that were used on CAESAR are briefly explained. Each system was separately tested by performed experiments. Results of field tests and the robot performance experienced during a disaster scenario that was created are discussed. The capabilities of CAESAR are explained in these tests to determine if some of the problems experienced previously are solved.

1A1-G19 通信範囲から外れた遠隔操縦ロボットの自律移動による通信回復

This paper describes about communication recovery of a remote control robot which accidentally went beyond the range of radio communication. Remote control robot turns into actual utilization for air surveillance, resource exploration, planet exploration and USAR (urban search and rescue). For actual utilization of remote control robot, radio communication is one of the serious problems. It not only restricts the activity of remote control robot but also discourages an operator of the robot. Even if one robot has great hardware and software, it can move tens of meters only. The lack and delay of sensor data makes operator nervous. We cope with the difficulty by using of the slight autonomy moving from darkness of the radio communication to safe area. Proposed system consists of RSSI (received signal strength indication) monitor, path recorder and autonomous backtracking software. It changes the robot from remote control mode to backtracking mode, and navigates the robot along the past passed path. In the experiment in office building environment, it shows that our system enabled to resume a control of our USAR robot after disconnection of wireless LAN.

A review of locomotion mechanisms of urban search and rescue robot

PurposeThis study aims to investigate locomotion mechanisms of different urban search and rescue (USAR) robots currently being researched or commercially available on the market.Design/methodology/approachUSAR robots are categorized by the type of their mobility. Detailed illustration and analysis have been given for each USAR robot in the paper.FindingsThe paper finds that none of current USAR robots can practically and autonomously carry out rescue work in a complex and unstructured environment. Hence, responding to the practical requirements of highly challenging USAR tasks, a team of USAR robots based on different locomotion mechanisms may be a good solution to undertake rescue activities.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper provides guidance in the design of future USAR robots.Originality/valueThe paper investigates locomotion mechanisms of different USAR robots in detail.