Naghsh, Amir (Sheffield Hallam University), Gancet, Jeremi (Space Applications Services), Tanoto, Andry (Heinz Nixdorf Institute, University of Paderborn), Roast, Chris (Sheffield Hallam University)

Analysis and Design of Human-Robot Swarm Interaction in Firefighting Operations

Scheduled for presentation during the Regular Session "Human-Robot Teams" (SaP5T1), Saturday, August 2, 2008, 17:40−18:00, Room T1

17th IEEE International Symposium on Robot and Human Interactive Communication, August 1-3, 2008, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany

This information is tentative and subject to change. Compiled on March 3, 2021

Abstract

In a variety of emergency settings robot assistance has been identified as highly valuable, providing remote, and thus safe, access and operation. There are many different forms of human-robot interactions, allowing a team of humans and robots to take advantage of skills of each team member. A relatively new area of research considers interactions between human and a team of robots performing as a swarm.

This work is concerned with the interactive use of autonomous robots in fire emergency settings. In particular, we consider a swarm of robots that are capable of supporting and enhancing fire fighting operations co-operatively and we investigate how firefighters in the field work with such a swarm.

This paper outlines some of the key characteristics of this emergency setting. It discusses possible forms of interactions with swarm robotics being examined in the Guardians project. The paper addresses the use of assistive swarm robotics to support firefighters with navigation and search operations. It reports on existing firefighters operations and how human-swarm interactions are to be used during such operations. The design approaches for human-swarm interaction are described and the preliminary work in the area are outlined. The paper ends by linking current expertise with common features of emergency related interaction design.