Cognitive Analysis Methods for Control of Multiple Robots: Robotics on $5 a Day

Abstract

Studies of a single operator controlling multiple robots were designed (1) to identify problems caused by perceptual and cognitive factors and (2) to propose interface concepts to reduce the problems. The studies used innovative techniques at extremely low cost. Existing artifacts, i.e., commercially-available video games played over local area networks, provided a rich source of data on control of one or multiple semi-autonomous entities with a minimum of development. Psychological theories regarding various attributes of robotic operation, including perception, navigation, motion control, and information display are embedded in such artifacts. Custom scenarios involving multiple robots controlled by a single operator were developed to facilitate switching between tasks and, in some cases, cooperative use of the multiple robots. Findings include data on navigation difficulty, task switching strategies, mode errors, and perceptual confusion regarding multiple viewpoints.