2024/04/27 by Prasanna Sriganesh, Sriganesh, Prasanna, James Maier +17 · 1 citation
Computer Science · Decision Sciences · Engineering · #Advanced Data Processing Techniques #FOS: Computer and information sciences #Risk and Safety Analysis #Robotics (cs.RO) #Software System Performance and Reliability
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2404.17759
openalex publication_date 2024/04/27 · openalex created_date 2024/05/11 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
Field robotics applications, such as search and rescue, involve robots operating in large, unknown areas. These environments present unique challenges that compound the difficulties faced by a robot operator. The use of multi-robot teams, assisted by carefully designed autonomy, help reduce operator workload and allow the operator to effectively coordinate robot capabilities. In this work, we present a system architecture designed to optimize both robot autonomy and the operator experience in multi-robot scenarios. Drawing on lessons learned from our team's participation in the DARPA SubT Challenge, our architecture emphasizes modularity and interoperability. We empower the operator by allowing for adjustable levels of autonomy ("sliding mode autonomy"). We enhance the operator experience by using intuitive, adaptive interfaces that suggest context-aware actions to simplify control. Finally, we describe how the proposed architecture enables streamlined development of new capabilities for effective deployment of robot autonomy in the field.