REMOTE AND IN-SITU MULTIROBOT INTERACTION FOR FIREFIGHTERS INTERVENTIONS UNDER SMOKE CONDITIONS*

This paper describes a real-world demonstration that involves two kinds of human-robot interaction: (1) In-situ interaction between a team of robots and a firefighter, and (2) the interaction between a remote operator and the whole system from a base station. The team of robots can provide the firefighter with environmental information to support and enhance its operation in situations where smoke can be present. First of all, the paper describes the overall system, focusing on the devices that are used, and the hardware/software architecture. Then, the paper explains the in-situ human-system interaction which is the way the firefighter interacts with the robot team, by obtaining the information directly to its helmet and by setting up a firefighter following behaviour using both laser and sonar/radio techniques. After that, the paper describes the way the whole system can be monitored and controlled remotely via a base station.